Study of Mountain Shepherds by Gaêtan Dumas (1906)
Drawing of mountain shepherds, pencil and ink on fine paper (1906), study for a larger work, by Gaêtan Dumas (1879 - 1950). If one has ever observed the behaviour of sheep who are left unguided and without the constant supervision of a shepherd, they are aware that sheep tend to move every which way. Here, two shepherds guide their flock through the perils of a mountain pass hiking by a religious monument topped by a cross; in the background, one sees the sketchy outline of a church against the mountain. The religious allusion is clear. The pastor is charged with leading the sheep. So it is with the flock of Christ. If only we knew for which larger painting this characterful drawing was a study. In good vintage condition commensurate with age. There are some blemishes around the edges of the paper which do not affect the overall impression of the work. The work is unsigned but stamped by the authenticating authority, Atelier Gaêtan Dumas. What an opportunity to own this piece of history. A short video clip of this work may be provided upon request.
About the artist: Gaêtan Dumas (1879 - 1950) was born in Marseille, France and died in Bordeaux. He was said to be equally of these places. He was a painter of nude portraits, landscapes and still lifes. He exhibited at the Salon des Independants in Paris, Salon d'Automne and Tuileries. The Salon d'Automne showed a retrospective of his work during his lifetime and posthumously in 1952 and 1960. Dumas' works are collected internationally and are retained by major museums in Paris, Madrid, Bordeaux, Dijon, Marseilles, Troyes and Toulouse, amongst others.
Dimensions with frame:
H 34.5 cm
W 30.5 cm
Dimensions without frame:
H 22 cm
W 19.5 cm