Herder met een kudde schapen c. 1876 - 1879

This quick sketch by Anton Mauve, a prominent Dutch painter of the 19th century, captures a simple yet poignant scene. The artwork, titled "Herder met een kudde schapen" (Shepherd with a flock of sheep) shows a shepherd standing amongst a herd of sheep, with a minimalist background of foliage. The composition is characterized by loose, expressive strokes, typical of Mauve's drawings, highlighting his masterful use of line and detail. Mauve's signature subject matter was the rural life of the Netherlands, and this sketch, housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies his talent in portraying the simple beauty of everyday life.