Who painted Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape?

Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape was painted by Salomon Gessner in 1764.

Where can I see Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape?

Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape?

Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape?

Museum-quality prints of Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape

Salomon Gessner , 1764

Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Salomon Gessner. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in plate: S.Gessner inv et fec.; lower center in plate: 7.; by later hand, lower right in ink: A.

About this work

Overview

Salomon Gessner’s 1764 etching titled Two Shepherds in a Rocky Landscape presents a tranquil pastoral scene rendered on laid paper with a subtle pale‑blue tint. The composition centers on two figures seated beside a craggy cliff, one playing a flute while the other reclines, a sheep nearby and a low fence delineating the foreground.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts an idealized rural moment, emphasizing the harmony between humans, animals, and nature. The shepherds’ relaxed posture and the presence of music suggest a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere, while the surrounding trees and rocks frame the scene as a timeless countryside tableau.

Technique & Style

Gessner employed delicate, fine lines to render the textures of stone, grass, and fabric, achieving a nuanced surface quality. The etching’s tonal range is enhanced by the pale blue hue applied to the paper, which imparts a cool, atmospheric quality without obscuring the intricate line work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1764, the print is an example of Gessner’s printmaking practice during the mid‑eighteenth century, a period when he produced numerous pastoral images for the European market. The work remains documented in collections of prints from that era, reflecting its circulation among connoisseurs of the time.