The Hermit 1799

"The Hermit," painted by Jean-Baptiste Greuze in 1799, depicts a scene of a group of young women and children gathered around a hermit and his young companion. The hermit is seen seated, while the women kneel and stand nearby, their expressions a mix of curiosity and reverence. This work is characteristic of Greuze's later style, which focused on scenes of moral instruction and sentimentalism. The dramatic lighting and the carefully posed figures create a sense of intimacy and emotional intensity. The subject matter of a hermit and his followers would have resonated with audiences in the late 18th century, as it reinforced the importance of piety and religious devotion.