Herder met geiten 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created this drawing of a ‘Herder met geiten’, or shepherd with goats, using graphite on paper. Graphite is a material that has been used by artists for centuries, offering a wide range of tonal values and textures. The artist's hand is evident in the delicate lines and shading that define the figures. Van den Bos's technique is meticulous, yet the drawing retains a sense of immediacy. The choice of graphite is significant because it reflects the cultural context of the time. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there was a growing interest in depicting rural life and the working class. Graphite allowed artists to capture the nuances of everyday scenes, emphasizing the dignity of labor and the connection between people and the land. The image offers insight into the role of labor, politics, and consumption in society. By appreciating the materials and processes involved in its creation, we gain a deeper understanding of the artwork's social significance and its connection to the broader cultural landscape.