Herder met een schaapskudde tussen de bomen c. 1876 - 1888

Anton Mauve rendered this sketch of a shepherd with a flock of sheep among trees with a sense of simplicity and reduction. The drawing's composition, predominantly in graphite, uses a stark, almost minimalist approach, evoking a mood of quiet pastoral life. Mauve’s use of line, tone and shape are crucial. Vertical strokes delineate the trees, contrasting with the rounded forms depicting the sheep. This contrast isn't merely descriptive; it articulates a play between the static and the mobile, the structured and the organic. The sketch destabilizes the traditional, idealized pastoral scene. The lack of detail and unfinished quality suggest an interest in the essential forms rather than surface appearances. The singular red mark disrupts the monochromatic harmony, drawing our attention to the materiality of the drawing itself and emphasizing its constructed nature. As such, the drawing’s formal qualities prompt us to reconsider the relationship between representation and reality. Instead, the artwork suggests a deeper engagement with the fundamental elements of art-making.