Staand schaap 1806

Frédéric Théodore Faber created this etching of a sheep in the first half of the 19th century. Sheep were a common subject during this period, often idealized as symbols of pastoral life. However, this image avoids romanticism. The sheep is not a symbol but an individual amidst a detailed landscape. The technique draws attention to the animal's woolly texture and solid presence. During the 18th and 19th centuries, sheep farming played a vital role in European economies, impacting rural communities. Consider the cultural view of animals during Faber's lifetime. They were often seen as resources, but also as beings with their own existence. Faber treats this sheep with a sensitivity that acknowledges both its economic and intrinsic worth. The artwork exists between traditional depictions and a more grounded narrative.