Thatched Hut in Woods with Shepherd and Sheep n.d.

This drawing of a Thatched Hut in Woods with Shepherd and Sheep, was made by Anthonie Waterloo in the 17th century using pen and brown ink, with gray wash on paper. Waterloo has given us an inviting glimpse into the Dutch countryside, where farm structures are built directly of the land. Look closely, and you’ll see the artist has used the brown ink and gray wash to lovingly describe the rough texture of the thatched roof, the stacked logs of the hut, and the wizened, gnarled trees that surround the scene. These are humble materials rendered with care and attention. The drawing also gives us insight into the realities of labor at the time. The shepherd, a solitary figure, leans against a tree, watching over his flock. The scene hints at the cycle of agricultural labor, a vital part of the Dutch economy in the 17th century. By focusing on the simple materials and the daily life of the working class, Waterloo elevates the ordinary and invites us to appreciate the beauty in the everyday.