Herder met een kudde schapen c. 1876 - 1879

"Herder met een kudde schapen" (Shepherd with a flock of sheep) is a charcoal drawing by Anton Mauve, a prominent Dutch painter of the 19th century, now housed in the Rijksmuseum. Dating from c. 1876-1879, the work exhibits Mauve's characteristic focus on rural scenes and the everyday lives of farmers. The drawing is a preliminary sketch, and its gestural lines and subtle shading suggest the movement of the shepherd and his sheep. It demonstrates Mauve's exploration of light and atmosphere, typical of his artistic style, often characterized by a sense of melancholic beauty. This artwork provides insight into Mauve's creative process and his mastery of capturing the tranquility and poetry of Dutch landscapes.