Liggende schapen aan de voet van een heuvel 1666

Cornelis Saftleven, a Dutch artist, made this drawing of sheep with pen, gray ink, and gray wash. Saftleven lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a time of great economic prosperity in the Netherlands. During this time, the Dutch countryside was transformed by land reclamation, creating new pastures for grazing animals. In this context, seemingly simple animal drawings take on a greater meaning. Saftleven’s careful observation of the sheep and the surrounding landscape reflects a growing interest in the natural world and the importance of agriculture to the Dutch economy. To gain a deeper understanding of Saftleven's drawing, we might consult historical maps and agricultural records to learn more about the specific region where the artwork was created. Art history relies on this type of context. In doing so, we can appreciate the drawing not just as a depiction of sheep, but as a reflection of the cultural and economic forces that shaped the Dutch Golden Age.