Sheep, from a set of 16 plates

Art Historical Context

Behold *Sheep, from a set of 16 plates*, a charming 1664 etching by Marcus de Bye, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department. Measuring a modest plate size of 4 11/16 x 5 13/16 inches (11.9 x 14.8 cm), this intimate print captures the gentle form of sheep with fine precision, inviting visitors to appreciate the everyday beauty of pastoral subjects. Etching, de Bye's chosen medium, was a revolutionary intaglio technique in the 17th century: artists drew through a wax ground on a metal plate, allowing acid to "bite" intricate lines for rich tonal depth and texture. As one of 16 plates in the series—likely depicting various animals—this work exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of period printmaking, designed for wide dissemination to collectors and enthusiasts. Generously bequeathed by Phyllis Massar in 2011, *Sheep* reflects the era's delight in naturalistic observation, transforming humble farm life into enduring art. Pause here to admire how de Bye's lines evoke quiet tranquility, a timeless nod to nature's quiet poetry.