Zittende schaapherder c. 1885 - 1886

Curator: Here we have "Zittende schaapherder," or "Seated Shepherd," an etching and drypoint on paper by Willem Witsen, dating from around 1885 to 1886. Editor: It’s overwhelmingly monochrome, of course, but so tranquil! The shepherd sits within the tall grass, and his posture conveys a deep sense of quietude. Curator: Witsen was fascinated by the everyday labor around him. I find myself pondering the sheer physicality of this etching – the repetitive, almost meditative process of scoring the plate. Consider the tools used: the needle, the acid bath, the printing press. The paper itself! Editor: That quietude resonates strongly, doesn’t it? In pastoral art, shepherds are such ancient figures of watchfulness and care. He's almost become one with the land. I can practically feel the sun on my face, can you? Curator: I'm drawn to that sense of immersion. The very act of printing, of replication, echoes the cyclical nature of shepherding. Each impression spreads the labor, allowing mass consumption of rural life, viewed through the lens of Impressionism. Editor: Yes, look at those sheep. Aren't they interesting shapes dotted across the horizon? To me, their presence symbolizes peace and belonging, echoing an Arcadian ideal—simple contentment in harmony with nature. They emphasize his responsibility and our comfort. Curator: Speaking of echoing: Consider the cultural context. Witsen's choice of etching – a medium capable of intricate detail yet also mass production – reflects the shifting status of the art world during this time. Making an artistic expression that still shows industrial labor. Editor: That image of shepherd has lingered through countless generations in our visual vocabulary! And the medium gives the overall piece this delicate quality that enhances the dreamlike feeling and adds another layer of history to the whole image. Curator: Absolutely. We can appreciate how these elements intertwined within the physical artwork itself – through paper, ink, and pressing—contributing to this enduring image. Editor: The echoes of past stories—and an evocative meditation, perfectly framed.