A Seated Shepherdess 

This charcoal drawing, "A Seated Shepherdess," by Jules Dupré is a study of light and shadow. The shepherdess, depicted in a simple pose, is almost engulfed in a dark cloak, her face illuminated by the soft light of the sky. The drawing is a testament to Dupré's skill in capturing the subtle nuances of light and shade, a hallmark of his work in the 19th century. The use of charcoal creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, bringing the viewer closer to the shepherdess. Dupré's drawing evokes a sense of solitude and quiet contemplation, typical of Romantic-era depictions of rural life.