Landschap met hekwerk en herders met vee 1762 - 1829

Jean Louis Demarne made this small landscape with fence and shepherds with cattle as an etching. The meticulous hatching and cross-hatching generate a wide range of tonal values from light to dark, creating a sense of depth and volume across the composition. The landscape is divided into distinct zones. In the foreground, densely shaded areas define the rough ground and immediate surroundings. A large tree and central wooden fence anchors our view, while beyond this, the landscape opens up to reveal a sloping hill. We can observe cattle scattered across the hill, suggesting the scene extends further into the distance than the limited dimensions would imply. Consider how the fence, a rudimentary structure, functions not merely as a physical barrier but as a signifier of human intervention and control over nature. The way Demarne captures this scene highlights the formal and structural elements and encourages a reflection on humanity’s role within the pastoral setting. This prompts an ongoing visual dialogue between nature and culture.