Ruhende Hirten 

Albin Egger-Lienz created this watercolor painting of two resting shepherds during a time of significant social upheaval in Europe. His choice of subject reflects a deep connection to rural life, yet it also subtly challenges conventional portrayals of idealized pastoral scenes. Egger-Lienz's artistic focus on peasants and laborers is imbued with an awareness of class and the realities of rural existence. The artist's distinctive style, with its simplified forms and emphasis on the figures' mass, brings an empathetic, yet unsentimental perspective to these men's daily lives. The visual weight of the two figures hints at the burdens of agricultural labor. The shepherds embody a grounded sense of identity, rooted in their connection to the land and their traditional way of life. This piece can be seen as a commentary on the value and dignity of labor at a time of rapid social change.