Antwerp-born Alexandre Pierre Markelbach (1824-1906) was primarily a painter of genre scenes and historical subjects. Having trained under Baron Wappers (1803-74), Markelbach made his debut in 1843 and continued to exhibit regularly at Brussels; having become a member of the Royal Academy of Belgium in 1869, Markelbach was later appointed an Officer of the Order of Leopold.

Two full-length female figures bedecked in peasant costume are seen within a woodland clearing. A spring issues from a cluster of rocks to the left where a large jug has been left to fill with water; a scattering of garden vegetables nearby suggests that the young women have been diverted from their chores. One fair-haired woman, looking over her right shoulder, leans into the ear of her dark-haired companion who smiles at the received secret. Two goats linger close by.

Signed: Alex. Markelbach, Munich