Herdersspel 1771 - 1789

This anonymous engraving, "Herdersspel", created between 1771 and 1789, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a pastoral scene. The central oval frame features a figure with flaming hair holding a staff and a scythe, representing a shepherd. Surrounding the figure are various tools and objects related to pastoral life, such as a shepherd's crook, a basket, and a spinning wheel. The composition is visually rich, with intricate details and a sense of depth created by the use of perspective and shading. The engraving's title and inscription indicate its connection to a "pastoral play," highlighting the interplay between art, theater, and rural life in 18th-century Netherlands.