Landscape in the vicinity of St. Petersburg Semeon Shedrin (1745-1804)

The canvas presents a pastoral scene, seemingly capturing a moment of tranquil rural life near a significant urban center. A winding waterway dominates the composition, its surface reflecting the diffused light and hinting at depth. Dense foliage frames the left side of the view, creating an immediate sense of enclosure and drawing the eye towards the more open expanse in the middle ground.
Here we see a group of cattle, accompanied by a shepherdess clad in vibrant red garments with distinctive headwear, leading them along the riverbank. The figure’s attire suggests a connection to local traditions or perhaps a stylized representation of rural identity. A small cluster of buildings is situated on a gentle rise overlooking the water; these structures appear modest and integrated into the natural environment, suggesting a close relationship between human habitation and the landscape.
The artist employed a muted palette, favoring greens, browns, and grays to convey the atmosphere of a northern climate. The light appears soft and diffused, contributing to the overall feeling of serenity. A subtle atmospheric perspective is evident in the distant hills, which are rendered with less detail and paler tones, creating a sense of spatial recession.
The presence of livestock and the shepherdess evokes themes of pastoralism and agrarian life. However, the proximity implied by the landscape’s title – a location near a major city – introduces a layer of complexity. The scene might be interpreted as an idealized vision of rural existence existing alongside urban development, or perhaps as a nostalgic portrayal of a disappearing way of life. The compositions balance and harmonious arrangement suggest a deliberate attempt to create a visually pleasing and emotionally resonant depiction of the natural world and its inhabitants.