Schaapsherder met een schaapskudde en een herdershond before 1912

This photograph by Henry W. Taunt shows a shepherd with a flock of sheep and a sheepdog. It's like a faded memory, the tones so gentle and muted, you can almost feel the soft wool of the sheep. Look at how the shepherd stands, so still and solitary. The contrast of his dark form against the light of the landscape creates a really melancholic mood. The texture isn’t really about tactile paint, but the soft focus, and the contrast of light and dark give it an emotional weight. It reminds me of that feeling of being alone, just a small figure in a big world. It's interesting to think about how artists influence each other. This piece has a similar tone to the photography of Paul Strand, who also explored rural landscapes with a deep sense of feeling. This photo is an artwork that captures a specific time and place, but also leaves room for our own feelings.