Herder met een kudde schapen 1848 - 1888

This is Anton Mauve’s sketch, "Herder met een kudde schapen", at the Rijksmuseum, created with graphite on paper. The overall impression is one of fleeting observation, captured through a minimalist approach. Mauve’s marks form the semiotic structure of the drawing. We see rapid, curved lines suggesting the forms of sheep clustered together. The varying densities and pressures of the graphite indicate the distribution and volume of the flock. To the right, the heavier shading might represent a landscape feature, like a bank. The contrast between the sketch’s subjects and its execution invites inquiry. While the subject matter suggests pastoral serenity, the actual drawing displays an active, almost restless energy. This contrast challenges fixed meanings, opening up interpretive possibilities. Is Mauve exploring the theme of the sublime through quick marks? The raw quality of the graphite lines speaks to both a physical and intellectual endeavor. In its formalism, we find Mauve's exploration of rural life and modernity. Meaning is not fixed but emerges through the interaction between technique, material, and our interpretations.