The artwork, titled “Cattle market at Daoulas, Brittany,” was painted by Eugene Boudin in 1861 in France. This piece, executed in oil on canvas, measures 46 x 32 cm and is currently held in a private collection. Boudin is known for his contributions to the Realism art movement, and this cityscape serves as an example of his ability to capture the essence of everyday life during that period.
The artwork presents a bustling scene of a market day within the confines of a rural town. The setting is characterized by stone buildings with aged facades, reflecting a typical Breton architecture. Livestock, predominantly cattle, occupy the central focus of the composition, clustered together and surrounded by local townsfolk engaged in the activities of buying and selling. Figures are dressed in a variety of attire that suggests a range of social standings and functions within the scene, with some engaged in conversation or overseeing the transactions.
Throughout the artwork, Boudin’s skillful use of lighting and shadow imparts a sense of time and atmosphere, capturing the ambience of an overcast day where sunlight filters through breaks in the clouds. Trees flank the right side of the composition, providing a natural contrast to the man-made structures and adding depth to the setting. Chickens can be spotted in the foreground, pecking at the ground, while dogs roam freely, adding to the dynamic and lively nature of this rural congregation. The artwork encapsulates a moment in time, providing viewers with a window into the rural life of nineteenth-century Brittany.
