The Good Shepherd; verso: Cloud Studies 1791 - 1859

Friedrich Olivier made this drawing, "The Good Shepherd," sometime in the first half of the 19th century, using graphite on paper. The earthy tones and soft texture are consequences of this choice, giving the image a subdued, contemplative feel. It’s just graphite, but consider the way the artist uses the material: thin, precise lines in some areas, broad smudges elsewhere. Look closely at how Olivier renders the rocks and the figure of the shepherd, and you’ll see the varied pressure and angles, coaxing out a range of tones. There’s an inherent intimacy here, a quietness, which speaks to the close observation, and to the labor involved in slowly building up the image. While graphite on paper might seem commonplace, remember that drawing was a fundamental skill for artists at this time. It was central to academic training, and to the development of ideas. In this context, Olivier's drawing speaks to a deep understanding of artistic tradition, even as it embodies a personal, almost devotional quality.