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The Shepherd

A shepherd, dressed in yellow, drinks from a stream while sheep graze.

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  • A shepherd, dressed in yellow, drinks from a stream while sheep graze.

Date:

1910–11

Artist:

Eugène Zak
Polish, born Russia, 1884–1926

About this artwork

Among the rolling hills of an Arcadian setting, a lone shepherd humbles himself before a flowing stream. Such idyllic landscapes earned Eugène Zak his reputation in both Europe and the United States; this work specifically was exhibited for the first time in the landmark International Modern Art Exhibition, better known as the Armory Show, in 1913. A mixture of symbolist and avant-garde sensibilities, The Shepherd’s geometric composition conveys a sense of harmony between humanity and nature. The shepherd himself strikes a dramatic posture, adding to the theatricality of his vibrant, golden-yellow costume.

Status

Currently Off View

Artist

Eugène Zak

Title

The Shepherd

Place

Russia (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1910–1911

Medium

Oil on canvas

Inscriptions

Signed, l.r.: Eug. Zak

Dimensions

116.8 × 81.8 cm (46 × 32 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

Arthur Jerome Eddy Memorial Collection

Reference Number

1931.519

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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