Artwork
Pastoral
Pastoral is an ink print by Hans Thoma. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Hans Thoma's 1919 etching 'Pastoral' is a print that showcases the artist's interest in rural life and regional traditions.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a serene scene: a boy playing a flute is surrounded by sheep and lambs, while an older figure watches nearby. The simple, rustic setting evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world.
Technique & Style
Thoma employed shading and varying line weights to create depth and dimensionality in the black-and-white composition. The boy's flute is a focal point, rendered in greater detail than the surrounding elements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Thoma (2 October 1839 – 7 November 1924) was a German painter. An alumnus and later professor of Karlsruhe Academy, he is known for his landscapes, portraits, and symbolic works rooted in German regional life and…
The Sleeping Herdsman
Children and Goats Resting by a Felled Tree
Flock of Sheep Resting
Woman Spinner and a Shepherd with Flock
Horses at Cottage Door
Interior with Three Boys and a Dog
The Shepherd Seated on a Fountain and the Spinner
Shepherd Playing a Flute with Goats
L'orage
The Shepherd Seated on a Fountain and the Spinner
The Sedan Chair
A Pastoral