Who painted The Shepherd and His Family?

The Shepherd and His Family was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1644.

Where can I see The Shepherd and His Family?

The Shepherd and His Family is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Shepherd and His Family?

The Shepherd and His Family is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Shepherd and His Family?

Museum-quality prints of The Shepherd and His Family are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Shepherd and His Family

Rembrandt van Rijn , 1644

The Shepherd and His Family is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rembrandt’s 1644 etching titled The Shepherd and His Family presents a quiet rural tableau. Central to the composition is a shepherd seated on a rock, surrounded by his wife, children, and a flock of sheep. Beyond them, a modest village unfolds amid rolling hills and scattered trees, all rendered in a restrained palette that emphasizes calm and contemplation.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays an idealized pastoral scene, highlighting the simple dignity of agrarian life. By placing the shepherd and his kin at the forefront, the image underscores themes of familial unity and the harmonious relationship between humans and livestock, inviting viewers to reflect on the serenity of a self‑sufficient countryside existence.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching, the piece relies on delicate line work and nuanced tonal gradations. Rembrandt’s manipulation of light and shadow creates a subtle three‑dimensionality, while the muted coloration of the background contrasts with the slightly brighter figures, guiding the eye toward the central group and enhancing the overall sense of depth.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑seventeenth century, the print reflects Rembrandt’s mature period of printmaking. Though specific ownership records are sparse, the etching has been documented in several early catalogues of the artist’s work and has circulated among collectors of Dutch Baroque prints since the 18th century.