Kudde schapen in een bos 1864 - 1936

"Kudde schapen in een bos" (Flock of sheep in a forest), a charcoal drawing by Dutch artist Jan van Essen, depicts a simple scene of a shepherd leading a flock of sheep through a wooded path. Created between 1864 and 1936, the work exemplifies van Essen's penchant for capturing the tranquility of rural life. The drawing's loose lines and subtle shading convey a sense of movement and depth, inviting viewers to imagine the sounds and scents of the forest. Currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, this small-scale work demonstrates van Essen's mastery of depicting the natural world with sensitivity and detail.