Drie schapen en een lam 1822 - 1891

Simon van den Berg created this drawing of three sheep and a lamb using pen in gray ink and brush in gray and brown ink. This work offers us a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the Netherlands during the 19th century, a time of significant change and agrarian transformation. In the 19th century, the Netherlands was undergoing a period of agricultural intensification. The image of sheep grazing peacefully may appear idyllic, but it also reflects the economic importance of livestock farming during that time. Dutch artists often depicted rural scenes as a way to both celebrate and perhaps idealize the traditional way of life. To fully understand the social and cultural context of this drawing, one might consult agricultural records, local histories, and even literature from the period. This helps us understand the historical conditions that shaped artistic production. Art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.