Liggend schaap, naar links 1816

Jean Bernard created this drawing, Liggend schaap, naar links, using pen in grey ink, around the late 18th or early 19th century. This unassuming drawing of a sheep is a window into the agricultural economy of the Netherlands at that time. In the Dutch Golden Age, the countryside increasingly became a site of economic production and transformation. The detailed rendering of the sheep's wool speaks to its economic importance. During this time, Dutch farmers were prized for their animal husbandry and land management skills. While seemingly simple, images like this reflect a society deeply connected to the land. By examining farm records, agricultural treatises, and other historical documents, we can enrich our understanding of the cultural values attached to the pastoral landscape. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.