Artwork

Shepherd Boy with Two Goats

Shepherd Boy with Two Goats, by Johann Adam Klein, ink, 1817
Shepherd Boy with Two Goats, by Johann Adam Klein, ink, 1817

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.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Johann Adam Klein

Artist

Johann Adam Klein

Johann Adam Klein (1792–1875) was a German artist, born in Nuremberg.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.