Resting Herd
1652
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1652
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a group of goats and sheep scattered across a rocky hillside. Some animals are standing, others are lying down or climbing, all in a loose, natural cluster. The background has bare trees and a few bushes, with a small body of water at the bottom. The artist used fine lines to show texture—fur, rocks, and even the goats’ alert ears. The scene looks busy but calm, like a snapshot of animals resting in the wild. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
