Return of the Flock

Millet often encountered shepherds on his walks on the Chailly plain, and they became one of his favorite subjects. He imbued these figures with a sense of dignity and monumentality. This shepherd strides forward purposefully, commanding the attention of his flock as well as the viewer.

Millet integrated pastel and conté crayon in equal measure, with the latter creating a framework for the color while adding visible texture. His use of pastel brings attention to important elements of the composition, as seen in the blue of the shepherd’s shirt and the soft pinks and blues of the horizon.