Erminia and the Shepherds n.d.

This drawing of "Erminia and the Shepherds," from an unknown artist, presents a densely populated pastoral scene rendered in delicate lines. The composition is divided into distinct registers, with the narrative unfolding across a landscape filled with figures and animals. The artist employs a structural layering of characters, positioning Erminia on horseback as a focal point that is balanced by the figures in the lower right. The use of line creates a dynamic contrast between the detailed foreground and the more ethereal background, where cherubic figures float amidst clouds. The materiality of the drawing is evident in the artist's precise handling of line work which serves to define forms and evoke depth. The artist uses diagonals to engage the viewer's eyes, creating visual pathways that lead through the drawing, inviting us to examine the underlying structure of this complex scene. This work destabilizes traditional notions of landscape by prioritizing character interaction. It engages the semiotic interplay between foreground, middle-ground, and background.