Twee schapen, staand, de voorste grazend 1664

Marcus de Bye created this etching of two sheep sometime in the 17th century, a period when the Dutch Republic was a major economic power with a thriving art market. De Bye, working within this context, captures a serene pastoral scene. While seemingly simple, images of livestock during this period often spoke to broader themes of prosperity and national identity. Sheep, in particular, were closely tied to the Dutch wool trade, a major source of wealth for the Republic. The detailed rendering of the sheep's wool invites a consideration of class and labor. It makes you consider the economic systems that underpin seemingly bucolic scenes. Furthermore, consider the act of depicting these animals through the relatively new medium of etching. The detailed lines and textures suggest a desire to capture the nuances of the natural world. This work, like much of Dutch Golden Age art, reflects a complex interplay between artistic skill, economic prosperity, and national pride. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between humans, animals, and the landscapes they inhabit.