Twee schapen 1700 - 1885

This is "Two Sheep," an etching by the Monogrammist PVB. The composition immediately strikes us with its serene density. The sheep, rendered as soft, textured forms, fill the majority of the small, rectangular space, suggesting both intimacy and enclosure. PVB employs etching to create a rich surface of tonal variation, using layered lines to depict the wool. This hatching technique mimics the density of real wool, giving a tactile presence to the animals. There is a formal tension at play between the softness of the sheep and the angular, almost agitated lines of the tree above. This juxtaposition brings a contrast between nature's calm and underlying restlessness. The lack of stark contrast or defined edges softens the scene, so the shapes seem to blend into one another. It evokes a quiet, bucolic scene where nature and animal life exist in peaceful coexistence. This merging of forms and soft application allows the viewer to engage with the artwork on an emotional level.