Herderin met koeien bij het water

Herderin met koeien bij het water is a delicate and evocative print created by Camille Jacob Pissarro in 1890. This work on paper captures a quiet, quintessential pastoral scene: a lone shepherdess guiding her small herd of cows along the banks of a river or large pond. The composition emphasizes the gentle interaction between human agricultural labor and the natural environment, a subject Pissarro devoted considerable attention to in the final decades of the 19th century.

Although celebrated primarily for his Impressionist paintings, Pissarro maintained a sustained and serious engagement with printmaking throughout his career. He valued the technical challenges and the distinct textural opportunities afforded by graphic media, often experimenting with etching, lithography, and drypoint to achieve unique atmospheric effects. By 1890, Pissarro had largely abandoned the vibrant plein air techniques of his earlier years and was exploring a more structural, deliberate style influenced by Neo-Impressionism, which is visible in the carefully organized forms and focused execution of this rural image. The medium of the print allows for an intimacy and precision that complements the subject matter.

This graphic work, Herderin met koeien bij het water, is held within the prestigious collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it serves as a fine example of the Impressionist master’s printmaking oeuvre. As part of the museum’s commitment to preserving and sharing these historical prints, the work’s status often allows high-resolution versions to enter the public domain, ensuring that the legacy and artistry of Pissarro remain accessible to students and enthusiasts around the world.