Herder met een kudde schapen in een landschap c. 1876 - 1879

Anton Mauve drew this sketch of a shepherd with a flock of sheep in a landscape using graphite on paper. The choice of materials and the sketching process itself are central to understanding this work. Mauve uses the paper to create the illusion of depth and space. The graphite, applied with varying pressure, creates a range of tonal values, from light grays to darker shades, thus bringing the landscape to life. The quick, light strokes suggest the fleeting nature of a passing moment, capturing the essence of the shepherd's movement and the sheep grazing in the field. The sketch offers a glimpse into the rural world, where labor is intimately connected to the land and the animals it sustains. Through his choice of materials and techniques, Mauve elevates the everyday scene into a work of art. This work is not only a window into the lives of rural workers but also a testament to the power of art to capture and elevate the ordinary.