Drie bomen, een herder met schapen en een hond 1605 - 1673

This etching, "Three Trees, a Shepherd with Sheep and a Dog," was crafted by Lucas van Uden, a Flemish artist, in the 17th century. Van Uden lived during a period of significant social stratification, and this piece offers a glimpse into the pastoral life that was idealized by the Dutch Golden Age. Observe how the trees dominate the composition, framing a humble scene of rural life. The shepherd and his flock, rendered with delicate detail, exist in harmony with nature. But consider, too, the absence of the landowners, whose wealth depended on the labor of people like this shepherd. Van Uden’s work does more than simply depict a landscape; it invites us to reflect on the social and economic structures that underpin such seemingly bucolic scenes, reminding us of the complex relationship between humanity and nature, and the often unseen hands that shape our world.