Two Studies of a Shepherd Resting 1666 - 1671

Adriaen van de Velde created this red chalk drawing, “Two Studies of a Shepherd Resting”, sometime in the mid-17th century. During the Dutch Golden Age, the Netherlands experienced a period of unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing. Van de Velde, like many of his contemporaries, specialized in landscapes populated by figures of the laboring class. Yet, these were often romanticized depictions of rural life that glossed over the harsh realities faced by those on the lower rungs of the social ladder. This drawing offers us an intimate glimpse into the artist's process. Van de Velde's choice to focus on the shepherd in repose invites reflection on the lives of those who were responsible for caring for livestock. The shepherd’s rest becomes a poignant commentary on labor, class, and the quiet moments of respite in a life of toil.