Three sheep 

Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt created "Three Sheep" with pen and brown ink and watercolor on paper. Hirt's drawing, on the surface, depicts a pastoral scene, yet it subtly reflects societal values of his time. In the past, sheep symbolized innocence and pastoral harmony. However, economic shifts increasingly tied them to agricultural production and wealth, a transformation that mirrors evolving societal structures. The artist's choice to depict these animals can be viewed through the lens of class and labor. Sheep farming was a crucial aspect of rural economies, employing numerous individuals and shaping social hierarchies. By portraying sheep, Hirt engages with the economic realities of the era, albeit in a delicate manner. The artwork subtly acknowledges the labor involved in sheep farming without directly addressing the conditions or struggles of rural workers. Ultimately, "Three Sheep" invites us to reflect on how seemingly simple depictions of animals can encapsulate layers of historical, economic, and societal significance, prompting contemplation on the intersections of nature, labor, and class.