Zittende herder met hond, ram, geit en schaap 1648 - 1733

This print, "Zittende herder met hond, ram, geit en schaap," is a detailed exploration of pastoral life, rendered with etching. The composition is structured in three distinct horizontal registers, each presenting a different aspect of the scene. At the top, a shepherd reclines with his dog, exuding a sense of calm. Below, goats and sheep are rendered with detailed lines. In the lowest section a standing ram casts a shadow over a seated sheep. The materiality of the etching allows for a rich variation in line quality, giving depth to the monochrome palette. The organization of the print into distinct horizontal layers is highly considered, creating a sense of order and balance, while also inviting a sequential reading of the imagery. How might this formal structure encourage us to consider the relationship between humans, animals, and the landscape? This is a question which invites us to reinterpret the artwork.