Sheeps in Moorland 1901 - 1904

Heinrich von Zügel painted "Sheeps in Moorland" using oil on canvas, a traditional medium, yet his approach is anything but conventional. The materiality of the paint itself is paramount here. Zügel applied it with thick, visible brushstrokes, creating a tactile surface that captures the ruggedness of the landscape and the woolly texture of the sheep. Notice how he uses color sparingly, relying on subtle variations in tone to evoke the damp, earthy atmosphere of the moorland. This isn't just a depiction of sheep; it's an exploration of the labor and industry tied to them. The painting highlights the inherent qualities of the materials, and the way the artist engaged with them. Zügel challenges our traditional expectations of painting by bringing attention to the working process. He emphasizes the connection between the natural world, the animals that inhabit it, and the human activity that shapes it.