from The Set of Sheep

Art Historical Context

Nicolaes Berchem, a prominent Dutch artist of the 17th-century Golden Age, created this etching as part of *The Set of Sheep*, a series showcasing his mastery of pastoral scenes. Though the exact date is unknown, Berchem (1620–1683) was renowned for his Italianate landscapes populated with livestock, drawing inspiration from the Roman countryside while working in the Netherlands. This intimate print, measuring just 4 x 5 1/8 inches on the plate, captures sheep in a serene, luminous setting, highlighting his skill in rendering animal textures and atmospheric light. Etching, Berchem's favored printmaking technique, involved drawing into a wax ground on a copper plate with acid biting the lines to create rich, tonal depth. This allowed affordable dissemination of his idyllic visions to collectors across Europe, bridging painting and print traditions. The medium's precision suits the fluffy wool and gentle contours of sheep, a recurring motif symbolizing rural harmony and prosperity in Dutch art. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department through the 2011 bequest of Phyllis Massar, this work exemplifies Berchem's enduring appeal. Visitors can appreciate how such small-scale etchings brought the tranquility of pastoral life into homes, offering a window into the era's fascination with nature's quiet beauty.