Folk Scene: Men Driving a Herd of Reindeer across a River 1937

Gustav Hagemann's "Folk Scene: Men Driving a Herd of Reindeer across a River" (1937) is a detailed black and white etching depicting a traditional scene of Sami life. Hagemann, a Norwegian artist known for his folk art, captures the simplicity and beauty of this pastoral setting with a focus on line and form. The composition is reminiscent of a child's drawing, with a simplified perspective and a focus on the central theme of the reindeer herd being guided across a river by two men and their dogs. The starry night sky and moon add to the sense of atmosphere. Hagemann’s work is a testament to the enduring traditions of the Sami people and their close relationship with nature.