The Cowherd

Barthélemy Menn (1815-1893) was born in Geneva where he was taught by W. A. Töpffer and subsequently by Léonard Lugardon (1801-1884), a former pupil of Ingres and jean-Antoine Gros. Menn later studied with Ingres and followed him in Rome. He mostly produced portraits and landscapes close to the school of Barbizon although he made his debut with historical subjects. He taught for 40 years and had many pupils among whom the most famous is Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918).

This painting is a fine example of Menn's second manner, when he was attracted by a freer approach of nature under the influence of Corot and the school of Barbizon. It shows a cowherd leading his cattle accross a stream. Although this work is not dated, it was most likely executed during one of his stay in France or Switzerland between the 1850s and 1868, date of the transfer of the painting in the collection of the museum.