The strong shadows, parched earth, sparse vegetation and dusty grey-green olive trees convey the effects of strong sunlight on the colouring and forms of the southern French landscape. A goatherd seeks shade under a tree while his animals nibble at the dry grass. In the far distance a woman and her donkey continue along the track. Guigou painted this picture in 1860 while he was still a law student, a year before he decided to devote himself to painting full time. It met with a favourable response when he exhibited the painting in Montpellier.