Standing Sheep and Two Lambs

Art Historical Context

Jan van der Meer the Younger's "Standing Sheep and Two Lambs," created in 1685, offers a gentle portrayal of rural life through its depiction of a ewe standing watchfully beside two lambs. The etching on ivory laid paper captures the animals' woolly coats and quiet poses with fine, precise lines, inviting viewers to notice the subtle interactions within this small family group. Etching proved an ideal medium for such subjects in the late seventeenth century, as the technique allowed artists to achieve delicate textures and details that could be reproduced on paper for wider appreciation. Here, the compact plate size of roughly 17 by 20 centimeters keeps the focus intimate, emphasizing everyday observations of nature rather than grand scenes. Held in the Prints and Drawings department at the Art Institute of Chicago, the work reflects the period's growing interest in animal studies as both artistic exercises and celebrations of the natural world. It remains a lovely example of how printmaking preserved these quiet moments for future generations.

About the Artist

Jan van der Meer, the Younger · 1656–1705

Jan van der Meer, the Younger (1656–1705), remains a relatively obscure figure in Dutch art history, with biographical details largely limited to his lifespan and a small surviving body of work. Early life is not well documented, and no records of formal training, mentors, or artistic education have surfaced in available sources. He appears to have been active during the late Dutch Golden Age, a p...