Gainsborough was very fond of portraying a rural landscape. And always in these humble stories included people and animals. Here, too, a herd of well-fed cows comes back from the hillock, returning from the pasture.
Next on the ground sit a shepherd with a dog and a woman, most likely, the mistress of one of the cows. Perhaps she is interested in the behavior and well-being of her wet nurse.
The autumn landscape is simple and unsophisticated, but very intimate, light. Paints are warm. golden-ocherous.
Related Paintings
Herd, the passing bridge by Thomas Gainsborough 
Landscape in Suffolk by Thomas Gainsborough 
River landscape with figures in a boat by Thomas Gainsborough 
View near the village of Kornard by Thomas Gainsborough 
Lunar landscape with a house by Thomas Gainsborough 
Mr. and Mrs. Andrews by Thomas Gainsborough 
A carriage driving to the fair by Thomas Gainsborough 
Portrait of the Duchess de Bowfourt (The Lady in Blue) by Thomas Gainsborough