Shepherd Seated on the Ground 1774 - 1789

This etching, "Shepherd Seated on the Ground" by Jean-Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine, is a delicate yet detailed depiction of a seated shepherd, crafted between 1774 and 1789. Norblin, known for his mastery of etching and drawing, captures the shepherd's posture and the subtle wrinkles of his clothing with remarkable precision. The triangular composition, with its emphasis on line and shadow, gives the work a sense of depth and immediacy, as if the shepherd is emerging from the paper itself. The small size of the work, just 1 1/8 x 7/8 in (2.9 x 2.2 cm), belies the artist's skill and attention to detail. This etching showcases Norblin's talent for rendering both human form and everyday life in a way that is both captivating and poignant.