Artwork
Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder
Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder is an ink print by the Baroque artist Edouard Eckman. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1621, this woodcut by Edouard Eckman presents a solitary figure on a hilltop, his shovel resting on his shoulder as he gazes toward a distant settlement. The composition balances the figure’s stillness with the expansive landscape, inviting a moment of quiet observation.
Subject & Meaning
The central character is a peasant, modestly attired in hat, shirt and trousers, pausing in his labor to contemplate the village below. The work suggests a reflective pause in everyday toil, emphasizing a connection between the individual and the broader community.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut on laid paper, the image relies on precise line work and graduated shading to convey depth and texture. The stark contrasts typical of early Baroque printmaking enhance the sense of space, while the simplified forms maintain a clear, readable composition.
History & Provenance
Edouard Eckman, an early‑17th‑century printmaker, produced this piece during a period when woodcut was a primary medium for disseminating visual ideas. The print has been documented in several European collections, reflecting its circulation among collectors of the era.
Artist & collection
