Artwork
Swine Herd near a Chapel
Swine Herd near a Chapel is an ink print by the Baroque artist Allart van Everdingen. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1650, this etching by Allart van Everdingen presents a tranquil countryside tableau in which a herd of pigs gathers beside a modest chapel. The composition balances the animal group with a shepherd figure, set within a lightly wooded landscape that includes trees and distant birds, conveying a calm, everyday rural moment.
Subject & Meaning
The work juxtaposes domestic livestock with a place of worship, suggesting a harmonious coexistence of daily labor and spiritual life in 17th‑century Dutch rural settings. The presence of the shepherd, guiding the swine, reinforces themes of stewardship and pastoral order.
Technique & Style
Executed in the etching medium, the image relies on fine incised lines to render texture, particularly in the bark of trees and the stonework of the chapel. Van Everdingen’s handling of light and shadow through cross‑hatching creates depth and a subtle atmospheric quality typical of Dutch landscape prints of the period.
History & Provenance
Allart van Everdingen (baptised 1621, died 1675) was active during the Dutch Golden Age, known for both paintings and prints. This piece reflects his contribution to the era’s printmaking tradition, though specific ownership records for this particular impression are not documented in the available sources.
Artist & collection
Artist
Allaert van Everdingen (Dutch pronunciation: ; bapt. 18 June 1621 – 8 November 1675 (buried)), was a Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker in etching and mezzotint.
