Schaap bij een gevlochten hek 1652 - 1659

This etching by Karel du Jardin presents us with a sheep near a woven fence. The composition, though simple, invites contemplation through its interplay of textures and forms. Du Jardin masterfully uses etching to evoke a rich tactile experience. The sheep's wool, rendered with a dense network of fine lines, contrasts sharply with the linear structure of the fence behind it. Look closely at the foreground; the earth is suggested by a different pattern of lines, creating depth and drawing us into the pastoral scene. The lines vary in thickness and direction to create light and shadow, giving a sense of volume to the sheep and the surrounding landscape. This humble scene is elevated through the artist's keen attention to detail and his ability to exploit the graphic potential of the etching medium, reminding us that beauty can be found in the everyday.