In the Pasture - Julien Dupre

“In the Pasture” is a remarkable oil painting, created in 1883, on canvas by renowned French artist, Julien Dupré. Dupré’s work focused upon rural and rustic countryside as well as scenes centering upon animals. 

“In the Pasture” is painted in the Realism art style and movement with a touch of Naturalism. Realism is a 19th-century movement, depicting mundane, working-class, and contemporary life to make a social statement. Naturalism is incorporated in the sense that this painting centers upon realistic, accurate detailed, photographic representation of subjects or nature.

Following in Dupré’s customary muse of choice, “In the Pasture” focuses on pastoral life and animal interaction. This painting depicts a young woman struggling with a massive, immovable cow.

The struggle is felt observing the young woman attempting to change the cow’s position by pulling on its harness. This is analogous to how we struggle against God’s Will, and dig our heels into the ground refusing to move in the direction that He is leading. We become obstinate, believing our ways are better than His. We fight against His Design for our lives. God waits for us patiently. He is very kind and merciful, always forgiving towards His children. All we need to do is ask. He delights in our repentance and awaits us with open arms, writing straight with our crooked lines.

Prayerful Reflection: 

Thank you, Lord for your patience with us when we have gone astray. Thank you for always forgiving us and welcoming us with open arms. You said in John 4:34, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish his work.” Help us to follow Your Will, knowing that your designs are for our highest good. Amen.