Cows at the watering hole Alexey Stepanov (1858-1923)

The canvas presents a pastoral scene centered around a small body of water, presumably a watering hole, frequented by several cows. The composition is structured along a diagonal axis that leads the eye from the lower left corner towards the upper right, where a cluster of trees punctuates the horizon line.
Here we see a group of cattle, predominantly black and white pied markings, positioned at varying depths within the water. Their postures suggest a tranquil routine – some are drinking directly from the surface, while others graze on the grassy bank bordering the pool. The artist has rendered their forms with a loose brushstroke, emphasizing texture and volume rather than precise detail.
The landscape itself is characterized by undulating terrain, delineated through subtle shifts in color and tone. A dirt path winds its way up the slope, suggesting human presence or access to the area, though no figures are visible. The vegetation appears lush and verdant, with a range of greens dominating the palette. A single tree stands prominently on the right side of the composition, its foliage rendered with an impressionistic quality that softens its form and integrates it into the overall atmosphere.
The sky occupies a significant portion of the canvas, displaying a cloudy, overcast condition. The brushwork here is particularly expressive, conveying a sense of atmospheric depth and diffused light. Reflections in the water mirror the surrounding landscape and sky, creating a doubled perspective and enhancing the feeling of serenity.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of rural life and connection to nature. The cows, as symbols of domesticity and agricultural sustenance, are integrated seamlessly into their environment. The absence of human figures contributes to an atmosphere of quiet solitude, suggesting a timelessness and simplicity that is often associated with idealized depictions of the countryside. The muted color palette and soft lighting further reinforce this sense of tranquility, inviting contemplation on the rhythms of nature and the enduring beauty of rural existence.