Shepherds at rest 1760 - 1799

Ferdinand Kobell created this small drawing, "Shepherds at Rest," using pen and brown ink with gray wash. It’s a humble set of materials, readily available and portable. Kobell was likely interested in the economic realities of pastoral life. The drawing depicts shepherds taking a break, but it's no romantic idyll. One figure stands guard with a rifle, emphasizing the labor and potential dangers of this existence. The muted tones of the ink wash further underscore the somber, practical aspects of their work. The artist's hand is evident in the fluidity of the ink lines and the subtle gradations of the wash. This directness, combined with the subject matter, elevates the everyday lives of working people. By using traditional artistic techniques to depict the material realities of labor, Kobell challenges the usual hierarchy of fine art, inviting us to find value and meaning in the lives of ordinary people.