Artwork
Shepherd Boy with Two Goats

Shepherd Boy with Two Goats is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Johann Adam Klein. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Shepherd Boy with Two Goats is an etching on wove paper, executed as a proof by Johann Adam Klein in 1817.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a serene scene of a boy herding two goats, conveyed through everyday attire for the boy and naturalistic details of the animals, set against a rustic backdrop of trees, bushes, and a fence.
Technique & Style
Characterized by detailed linework, the etching showcases Klein's use of the medium to achieve texture and depth, notably in the rendering of the goats' thick fur and curved horns, as well as the boy's simple yet expressive form.
History & Provenance
Created in 1817, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the work as an example of Klein's output during this period.
Context
Reflecting early 19th-century interests in pastoral themes, the work aligns with contemporary artistic focuses on natural, everyday life scenes.
Legacy
While specific legacy details are not outlined, the etching contributes to the broader body of early 19th-century European printmaking, particularly in the depiction of rural life.
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