An Elderly Shepherd Seen from Behind
1758
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1758
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
An Elderly Shepherd Seen from Behind is a 1758 ink by Gaetano Zompini, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a group of people herding sheep and goats across a rocky, tree-dotted landscape. Some ride donkeys, others walk, and a few hold sticks to guide the animals. The scene looks busy but calm, with hills in the background and a few scattered bushes. The artist used a scratchy, line-heavy style that makes the scene feel rough and textured. This is likely because the work is an etching, where lines are carved into metal and inked. Next, look up etching to see how artists create these detailed prints.
