Flock of sheep surprised by the storm
1839
oil
From the collection of Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
1839
oil
From the collection of Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
This painting shows a shepherd with his flock of sheep, surprised by a storm. The shepherd is dressed in a long coat and hat, holding a staff in his right hand. He stands on a rocky path, surrounded by his sheep, who are huddled together in fear. In the background, a large cross stands on the right side of the path, while a dark and ominous sky looms above, with rain pouring down. The shepherd's expression is one of concern and urgency, as he tries to protect his flock from the storm. The sheep, on the other hand, seem frightened and disoriented, their eyes fixed on the shepherd as if seeking guidance. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of drama and tension, capturing the moment when the storm suddenly breaks out. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.
