Vier liggende schapen

Johannes Mock created this print of four resting sheep using etching. Mock lived through the Napoleonic era and the subsequent Kingdom of the Netherlands. The pastoral subject matter of sheep is a scene of rural tranquility, however we must consider the place of agriculture in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has a long history of land reclamation and efficient farming which is deeply embedded in the nation's identity. The sheep in this image are anonymous and grouped together. This image is a quiet reminder of humanity's use of the natural world, domesticating it for production. Though seemingly simple, this image reflects the complex relationship between people, land, and resources. There is a harmony to be found in these sheep resting together, as they emphasize our connection to the natural world.