A shepherd holding a crook in his left hand and walking with a hill, a town and goats in the distance at left 1635 - 1645

Abraham Bosse created this etching of a shepherd, crook in hand, sometime in the 17th century. During this period, there was a fashion for pastoral themes, often employed to explore complex social dynamics through the lens of the idealized rural life. Bosse's shepherd, however, is not merely a figure in a landscape; he embodies the intersections of class and gender expectations. The shepherd's fine clothing and confident stance challenge the traditional representation of rural workers as humble and unrefined. We might ask ourselves if this is a commentary on social mobility, or perhaps a critique of the aristocracy’s romanticized vision of the working class. The accompanying text hints at a narrative of courtship and social maneuvering, inviting viewers to consider the power dynamics at play in relationships. Does the artwork maintain traditional representations or develop alternative narratives? As you reflect on this image, consider how it both reflects and shapes societal perceptions of identity, labor, and desire.