Rams
1628
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Herman van Swanevelt
Herman van Swanevelt (1603–1655) was a Dutch artist, born in Woerden.
See the richer artist page1628
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Rams is a 1628 ink by Herman van Swanevelt, a Baroque work, depicting Sheep, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows two rams facing each other with rocky cliffs behind. Their thick horns almost touch. The lines are scratchy, not smooth. Light and dark clash like a spotlight on stage. This wasn’t just a drawing turned into a print. Herman van Swanevelt cut the metal plate himself. That makes each copy slightly different. Notice how the shadows feel heavy, like real weight. Compare his scratchy lines to Rembrandt’s drypoint. See the difference in how the light falls.
Herman van Swanevelt (1603–1655) was a Dutch artist, born in Woerden.
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