Artwork

A Shepherd Sleeping while His Dog Guards His Flock

A Shepherd Sleeping while His Dog Guards His Flock, by Heinrich Carl Reinhold, ink, 1816
A Shepherd Sleeping while His Dog Guards His Flock, by Heinrich Carl Reinhold, ink, 1816

A Shepherd Sleeping while His Dog Guards His Flock is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Heinrich Carl Reinhold. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Shepherd Sleeping while His Dog Guards His Flock is an etching on wove paper, produced by Heinrich Carl Reinhold around 1816. The work is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a serene pastoral moment: a shepherd, dressed in traditional attire, sleeps on the ground, relying on his vigilant dog to safeguard the grazing flock, conveying themes of trust and tranquility.

Technique & Style

Reinhold's etching technique on wove paper achieves a textured, detailed visual effect, evident in the intricate rendering of the shepherd's clothing and the sheep's wool, enhancing the scene's depth.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1816, the etching is now housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, though specific details of its provenance prior to acquisition are not provided here.

Artist & collection

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