Lamb Bound to Shephard's Crook (recto); Seated Academic Male Nude, From Back, Turning Right (verso) n.d.

This drawing of a Lamb Bound to a Shepherd’s Crook, whose maker and precise date remain unknown, is rendered in graphite or black chalk on paper. The drawing’s earth-toned, fibrous ground contrasts with the lamb’s soft fur and gentle pose. The contrast between the lamb’s vulnerability and the shephard’s crook hints at a complex cultural significance. Consider the labor involved in sheep farming, a practice deeply intertwined with human society. The drawing captures a moment of imposed stillness. The artist skillfully conveys texture, weight, and form, highlighting the inherent qualities of both the animal's coat and the wooden crook. This emphasis on material—the animal's body, the shephard's tool— invites us to think about animal husbandry in the world at large. Ultimately, this drawing challenges the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft by elevating a commonplace scene to a moment of poignant reflection.