Landschap met geiten en een slapende herder 1791 - 1798

This landscape with goats and a sleeping shepherd was realized with etching by J.L.L.C. Zentner. The printmaking process allows Zentner to craft a serene pastoral scene. Note the etched lines that define the fluffy wool of the sheep, the rough bark of the tree, and the delicate foliage. The tonal range achieved, from the deep shadows to the bright highlights, is entirely dependent on the controlled application of acid to the metal plate, which is a labor-intensive, highly skilled process. Think of the many hours spent meticulously incising these lines, wiping the plate, and pulling each print. The image presents an idealized view of rural life, yet the artist's own work was hardly carefree. Looking at this print reminds us to value not just the image it conveys, but also the rich history of printmaking, and the effort required to produce it.