An einem Weg bei Bauernhäusern eine Schafherde 1803

Abraham Teerlink made this drawing of a sheep herd near farmhouses with watercolor and graphite. The even, pale tonality suggests that a good deal of water was used in the mixing and application of the pigments. Because watercolor is a transparent medium, the white of the paper shines through, giving the image a soft glow. In his landscapes, Teerlink was adept at evoking naturalistic effects. Notice the rough texture of the bark on the tree at the left, achieved by a dry brush technique. He carefully studied the distribution of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. This idyllic scene evokes a quiet rural life, but also reminds us of the essential role of sheep in the Dutch economy. Wool was a critical material for textiles, and its production supported countless livelihoods. Teerlink transforms the materials of everyday life into a pastoral vision. By understanding the material context of this drawing, we can appreciate the skill required to create such an illusion of effortlessness.