Hyrde med stav i hånden 1731 - 1803

Here we see "Shepherd with a Staff in Hand," a drawing by Johannes Wiedewelt. The sepia ink on paper presents us with a study of a man, likely a shepherd. He is draped in what seems to be animal skin. His grip on the ornate staff, and the gentle curve of his smile, suggests a relaxed control. Wiedewelt's use of line is particularly striking. Note the intricate hatching that defines the shadows and contours of the figure. This meticulous detailing is contrasted with the relatively smooth, unmodulated areas, creating a dynamic visual rhythm. The texture of the fur is evoked through dense, swirling lines, while the face is rendered with a more delicate touch. The drawing can be seen as an exercise in observation, capturing the texture and form through variations in line and tone, without being overburdened by narrative. The formal arrangement draws us to consider the construction of the image, the deliberate mark-making, and the way these elements combine to create a cohesive, compelling representation. It’s a fine example of how line alone can define form, texture, and even character.