In the High Meadow (Dans le haut pâturage en Suisse) Elizabeth Nourse (1859-1938)

The canvas presents a pastoral scene set within a mountainous landscape. Here we observe a group of cattle grazing in a high meadow, their forms dominating the foreground. The animals are rendered with loose brushstrokes and a palette emphasizing warm tones – reddish-browns and creams – that capture the texture of their coats and suggest the play of light upon them. Their postures convey a sense of quiet contentment as they consume the abundant vegetation.
To the left, a solitary figure, presumably a young shepherd or herder, is seated on the ground, seemingly absorbed in some task. The individual’s attire – a simple, light-colored garment – indicates a rural existence and connection to the land. Their posture suggests solitude and perhaps contemplation within this expansive natural setting.
The background establishes a sense of depth and scale. Distant mountains rise under a sky filled with billowing clouds, painted in broad strokes of blue and white. The atmospheric perspective softens the details of the distant landscape, creating an impression of vastness and remoteness. A rudimentary wooden fence is visible on the left side, hinting at human intervention within this otherwise wild environment.
The painting’s composition directs attention to the interplay between humanity and nature. While the cattle are central figures, their presence feels integrated into the natural world rather than imposed upon it. The shepherds solitary figure reinforces a theme of quiet observation and connection with the landscape.
Subtly, the work evokes notions of rural life, simplicity, and harmony. It is not merely a depiction of a scene but also an exploration of the relationship between people and their environment – a meditation on the rhythms of nature and the enduring appeal of pastoral existence. The loose brushwork and muted color palette contribute to a feeling of tranquility and timelessness, suggesting a world untouched by the complexities of modern life.