Schetsen van schapen 1844 - 1909

"Schetsen van schapen" (Sketches of Sheep) is a work by Dutch artist Sientje Mesdag-van Houten, created between 1844 and 1909. This watercolor sketch on paper showcases Mesdag-van Houten’s talent for capturing the essence of her subjects, in this case, sheep, with minimal detail. The loose, gestural lines and washes of color depict the animals in a variety of poses, highlighting their characteristic shapes and textures. The intimate scale and casual nature of this study suggest it may have been created as a personal observation or preparatory work for a larger painting. The artwork offers a glimpse into Mesdag-van Houten's artistic process and her fascination with the natural world.