Herder leunend op zijn staf tussen zijn vee 1742 - 1784

Hendrik Spilman's "Herder leunend op zijn staf tussen zijn vee" (Shepherd leaning on his staff among his cattle) is a 1742-1784 drawing in pen and brown ink on paper, showcasing his skillful depiction of rural life. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, features a shepherd with a staff standing amongst his cattle, capturing a moment of tranquility in a pastoral landscape. The delicate hatching and shading used by Spilman adds depth and texture to the composition, creating a sense of realism. This work demonstrates Spilman's talent for capturing the everyday activities of the rural working class, a popular theme in Dutch art of the 18th century.