Herder met een hond en kudde schapen bij een boom c. 1876 - 1888

This is a preliminary sketch by Anton Mauve, a prominent Dutch painter known for his depictions of rural life, for a larger artwork. The sketch, done in pencil, shows the outline of a shepherd with a dog and a flock of sheep against a tree. This quick, gestural drawing demonstrates Mauve's skilled use of line and composition to convey a sense of movement and depth. Although the details are minimal, the sketch reveals a thoughtful understanding of the rural landscape and its inhabitants. The artwork "Herder met een hond en kudde schapen bij een boom" is now housed in the Rijksmuseum.