Artwork

Flock of Sheep Resting

Flock of Sheep Resting, by Johann Heinrich Roos, ink, 1669
Flock of Sheep Resting, by Johann Heinrich Roos, ink, 1669

Flock of Sheep Resting is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Heinrich Roos. It dates from 1669 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Flock of Sheep Resting is an etching on laid paper created by Johann Heinrich Roos in 1669. It is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a small flock of sheep at rest in a grassy, rocky landscape. The scene includes a few bare trees and a faintly suggested background structure or fence, with a minimally rendered sky.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a layered etching technique to achieve a range of tonal values, from deep shadows to fine details. Thick, textured lines are used to convey the texture of the sheep's wool, creating a sense of three-dimensionality.

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.