La Pastorale
mid- 18thâlate 18th century
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-363-15
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**La Pastorale** is an 18th-century created by the French artist P. Mohey, who was active from the mid- to late 1700s. The title translating to “The Pastoral,” points to a popular subject of the era: an idealized vision of rural life, shepherds, and harmonious nature. Such themes resonated strongly in France during a time of artistic refinement and growing interest in the countryside as a counterpoint to urban society. Prints held special importance in the 18th century because they could be reproduced and circulated far more widely than unique paintings. They brought decorative and narrative ...