Measuring over 64 inches tall, this large oil on canvas painting by Adolphe Marais depicts a shepherd and his flock in a clearing of a French forest. A bright blue sky shines overhead, filled with wispy, white clouds. The canopy of trees indicates that it is most likely early autumn, as there are still green leaves present amongst some brown, yellow, and orange foliage. A small stream is visible on the left side of the clearing, meandering towards a small country village seen in the background. The shepherd is clad in turquoise with a brown hat and beige colored cravat and a matching jacket slung over his left shoulder, while his right hand clutches a walking stick fashioned from a tree branch. Numerous sheep surround the man, as a black sheepdog with a long coat stands guard in front of the stream. Some of the sheep are grazing in the lush grass that lines the forest floor. The painting is surrounded by a giltwood frame with a foliate motif border outside of a repeating semi-circular key pattern.

Adolphe Marais was born in Honfleur, France, in 1856. As a youth, Marais met the French painter, Charles-Francois Daubigny, who encouraged him to move to Paris and study painting. Marais heeded his friend’s advice and studied under fellow Frenchmen Georges Busson and Narcissus Berchere, as well as a Belgian painter active in France, Caesar de Cock. Specializing in landscapes and pastoral subjects, Marais was known for his ability to realistically depict animals, specifically cattle.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition with very light craquelure to the canvas. The frame has minor age separations and is not rigged for hanging purposes. Signed in the lower right corner “Ad Marais”.