Herder met een schaapskudde c. 1876 - 1888

This preliminary sketch, "Herder met een schaapskudde" by Anton Mauve, is a study for a larger painting depicting a shepherd with a flock of sheep. Created between 1876 and 1888, the drawing shows a loose and gestural approach with charcoal on paper, characteristic of Mauve's quick studies of nature. The shepherd is depicted in a simplified, almost abstract form, with the sheep represented by just a few lines suggesting their movement. The use of loose lines and simple shapes highlight the dynamic nature of the scene and the artist's interest in capturing a fleeting moment. This artwork is now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcasing Mauve's artistic process and the beauty of his initial sketches.