Shepherd Pastoral Calendar Print | Attributed to Gerlach-Barklow | Circa 1940s

A Peaceful Pastoral at Sunset

Soft, muted hues and a gentle countryside scene make this vintage shepherd print a charming example of mid-20th-century American calendar art.

This matte-finish print depicts a shepherd guiding a small flock of sheep down a wooded country path at sunset. The tranquil Barbizon-inspired style, warm tonal palette, and atmospheric softness suggest a 19th-century pastoral theme, reimagined for a 1940s audience. The piece remains attached along the top edge to textured gold-toned cardstock, likely once serving as the backing of a wall calendar. The cardstock has been crudely trimmed and is not its original size, though it remains structurally intact.

The print’s style and Midwest provenance strongly suggest association with the Gerlach-Barklow Company of Joliet, Illinois, a prolific producer of fine art calendars in the early to mid-20th century. While unsigned, the soft pastel quality and subject matter are reminiscent of works by Adelaide Hiebel, an illustrator known to have contributed to Gerlach-Barklow productions. Attribution cannot be confirmed.

The image area measures approximately 5 ¾ inches by 8 inches. It remains in very good vintage condition with vibrant, softly blended colors, minimal foxing, light age toning, and no visible tears or fading. The gold cardstock backing shows rough edges from prior trimming but presents well for display.

🎨 Collector’s Note: Gerlach-Barklow calendar prints were designed to bring fine art into everyday American homes. Even unsigned examples remain collectible for their nostalgic charm and decorative appeal — especially pastoral scenes such as this.