Schaapmelkende man c. 1756 - 1797

"Schaapmelkende man" (Man Milking a Sheep) is a black and white chalk drawing by Dutch artist Hendrik Willem Schweickhardt (1746-1797). This intimate drawing, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures a moment of rural life in the Netherlands. The scene depicts a man, seen from behind, kneeling to milk a sheep. The artist's skillful use of shading creates a sense of depth and volume, highlighting the textures of the man's clothing and the sheep's wool. The drawing demonstrates Schweickhardt's talent for capturing naturalistic details and everyday moments, showcasing the quiet beauty of the countryside.