Herder met een kudde schapen bij een hek c. 1876 - 1888

"Herder met een kudde schapen bij een hek" is a preliminary sketch by Anton Mauve, dating back to the period between 1876 and 1888. Mauve, a renowned Dutch painter of the Hague School, is famous for his evocative landscapes and depictions of rural life. This sketch, executed in pencil on paper, showcases his signature expressive lines and emphasis on light and shadow. The composition centers on a shepherd with his flock, likely navigating a gate, suggesting a scene of daily life in the Dutch countryside. The rapid, gestural strokes of the drawing hint at a fleeting moment captured by the artist's keen observation. This piece, housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into Mauve's creative process, revealing his keen eye for detail and his ability to convey atmosphere with minimal strokes.