Herd of Sheep Near the Water, from Verscheyden Landtschapjes (Various Little Landscapes), Plate 8 1611 - 1621

"Herd of Sheep Near the Water" is an etching created between 1611 and 1621 by Willem Pietersz. Buytewech, a Dutch artist known for his landscapes. The print, one of eight in the series "Verscheyden Landtschapjes," showcases Buytewech's skill in depicting the natural world with fine detail. It portrays a serene scene of a herd of sheep grazing by a body of water, surrounded by trees and foliage. The minimalist composition emphasizes the delicate lines of the trees and the stillness of the water, creating a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. The etching's small size, measuring just 4 inches by 5 5/8 inches, further contributes to the intimate nature of the artwork. This print is currently held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.