Sleeping Goat Herd and Flock in a Landscape 17th-18th century

This print, Sleeping Goat Herd and Flock in a Landscape, was made by Valentin Lefebre in the 16th century using the etching technique. The artist would have applied a waxy ground to a metal plate, drawn an image into it with a sharp needle, and then bathed the plate in acid. The acid bites into the metal where the wax has been removed, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The resulting print is a testament to the artist's skill, with delicate lines creating a detailed landscape populated by a sleeping figure and grazing animals. The textures of the foliage, the animals' wool, and the distant buildings are carefully rendered through the manipulation of line and tone. But consider the labor involved: from the mining of the metal plate, to the skilled work of the etcher, to the physical toil of farming in the background. This work is not just a pretty picture, it's a reminder of the many hands that shape our world. By appreciating both the artistry and the labor involved, we can break down the old-fashioned distinction between art and craft.