Young Woman with a Lamb

About this artwork

signature, along the raised front right edge of the base, incised in the wet clay: ‘J: Smeltzing, Leide’

Art Historical Context

**Young Woman with a Lamb** is a delicate terracotta sculpture by Jan Smzing (I), a artist active in Leiden around 1680–1700. Measuring just 29 cm high, 20.5 cm wide, and 15 cm deep, this work captures a serene young woman cradling a lamb, evoking themes of innocence and pastoral tranquility common in late 17th-century Dutch art. Crafted during the waning years of the Dutch Golden Age, it reflects the period's interest in everyday grace and natural motifs, though sculpture like this was less celebrated than painting. Smeltzing's signature—"J: Smeltzing, Leide," incised into the wet clay along the raised front right edge of the base—confirms its authenticity and ties it directly to Leiden, a hub for artistic innovation. Terracotta, an unglazed fired clay, was prized for its warmth and versatility, allowing sculptors to model fluid forms and capture subtle textures like the lamb's wool or the woman's flowing drapery. This medium often served as a sketch model (bozzetto) for larger marble works, highlighting Smeltzing's skill in preliminary design. As a rare surviving example of Leiden sculpture, this piece offers a glimpse into the refined, understated Baroque style of the Dutch provinces, blending realism with gentle symbolism. Visitors will appreciate its tactile charm, a testament to the enduring appeal of terracotta's earthy elegance.