Zittende herder met zijn hond 1648 - 1733

This small print presents a shepherd with his dog, rendered with delicate lines and a meticulous attention to texture. The anonymous artist’s use of etching captures a scene of pastoral calm, inviting contemplation through its intricate detail. Observe how the composition is structured: the shepherd, seated and leaning on his staff, occupies the right side, while his dog stands alert on the left, both framed by a rugged, vertical landscape. The contrast between the figures and the background creates a spatial tension that draws the eye, and the cross-hatching technique employed gives depth and volume to the scene. The etching’s monochrome palette enhances the interplay of light and shadow, revealing the textural complexity of the shepherd's clothing and the dog's fur. This emphasis on form and materiality, achieved through the artist’s technique, not only captures a fleeting moment, but also invites a deeper reflection on the relationship between man and nature, seen through the lens of artistic expression.