Staande geit en drie liggende schapen c. 1668 - 1670

Johann Heinrich Roos created this etching, "Standing Goat and Three Lying Sheep," likely in the Dutch Republic during the mid-17th century. At this time, the Dutch art market was booming and works depicting everyday life were very popular. Notice how Roos creates a peaceful scene using the domestic animals. During the Dutch Golden Age, country life was seen as a kind of paradise, an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Artists like Roos helped reinforce this idea, suggesting a kind of natural harmony. This also ties into the prevailing social structure: the wealthy merchant class romanticizing a rural existence, while still relying on it for resources. To truly appreciate this work, consider its historical context. Looking into the art market of the Dutch Golden Age can reveal so much about the values and aspirations of the society that produced it.