Sheep, from a set of 16 plates

Art Historical Context

In the heart of 17th-century printmaking shines *Sheep, from a set of 16 plates*, a delicate etching by Marcus de Bye from 1664. This petite work, measuring just 4 7/16 x 5 1/2 inches (11.2 x 14 cm), captures the quiet nobility of its woolly subjects, inviting viewers into a world of pastoral simplicity. As one plate in a larger series, it reflects the era's fascination with animal studies, likely appealing to collectors who prized detailed natural depictions for study or decoration. Etching, de Bye's chosen medium, exemplifies the technical innovation of the time: artists drew into a wax gro...