Seated sheep 1750 - 1799

Nicola Vassalo crafted this small terracotta sculpture of a seated sheep in the 18th century, now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Notice the way the sheep is positioned. Its body is compressed into a low, horizontal form, emphasizing its grounded, passive nature. The clay is textured to mimic the wool, with visible marks evoking a tactile sense of softness. The muted, earthy tones enhance the sense of naturalism. The sheep, a symbol deeply embedded in religious and pastoral traditions, here assumes a quiet, contemplative presence. In contrast to the grand narratives of classical sculpture, this small work focuses on the intimate and the everyday. It invites reflection on the value of simplicity and the significance of the unnoticed elements in life. This sculpture reminds us that meaning can be found in the most humble of forms.