Landschap met herderin en hond bij kudde schapen 1822 - 1885

This landscape with a shepherdess, dog, and flock of sheep was etched by Simon van den Berg in the 19th century. Van den Berg lived during a time of significant social and economic change in the Netherlands, including the decline of traditional agricultural practices. In this small work on paper, the solitary figure of the shepherdess, positioned on the edge of the land, evokes a sense of the changing role of women in rural society. Typically, pastoral scenes romanticize rural life, but here, the shepherdess stands alone, suggesting both independence and potential isolation. The presence of the dog hints at a need for protection, while the sheep, symbols of innocence and vulnerability, further emphasize the precariousness of her position. This etching invites us to reflect on the personal and historical experiences of women whose lives were deeply connected to the land. It offers a poignant commentary on themes of labor, gender, and the quiet resilience of those who navigate shifting social landscapes.