Karel Dujardin, “Recumbent Sheep by a Fallen Tree Trunk”, c.1655

Karel Dujardin (aka Karel Du Jardin; Carel Dujardin; Carel du Jardin; Bokkebaart) (1626–1678)

“Recumbent Sheep by a Fallen Tree Trunk” (TIB title) (aka “Le mouton couché près du tronc d’arbre”), c.1655, plate 36 (as inscribed in plate).

Etching on fine laid paper trimmed along the platemark with a narrow margin around the image borderline and backed with a support sheet.

Size: (sheet) 7.4 x 9.6 cm; (image borderline) 7.2 x 9.5 cm.

Inscribed in plate: (upper-right corner [in reverse]): “K.D.I. fe”; (lower-right corner) “36”.

State ii (of ii) with the addition of the plate number.

TIB 1.36 (Leonard J Slatkes [ed.] 1978, The Illustrated Bartsch: Netherlandish Artists, vol. 1, New York, Abaris Books, p. 205, cat. no. 36); Hollstein 36 (F.W.H. Hollstein 1952, “Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts 1450–1700: Douffet–Floris”, vol. 6, Amsterdam, Menno Hertzberger, cat. no. 36).

The British Museum and the Rijksmuseum offer descriptions of this print: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_Sheepshanks-897; https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200127332.

Condition: a strong and well-printed impression trimmed with a small margin around the image borderline. The sheet is in an excellent condition with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions or significant stains and is laid onto a sheet of archival (millennium quality) washi paper providing wide margins.

I am offering this sensitively executed etching of a sheep, which, to my eyes, appears seemingly oblivious—or at least unbothered—by a squadron of flies hovering above its head. My apologies if I am misinterpreting the sheep’s mindset, but my reflection was inspired by recent research by Marjorie Coulon, Raymond Nowak, and colleagues (2015), titled “Do Lambs Perceive Regular Human Stroking as Pleasant? Behavior and Heart Rate Variability Analyses” (see https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0118617). I found it fascinating to learn about the role of symmetry and ear positioning in perception. The etching is priced at AU$292 (approximately US$190.14, EUR 163.42, or GBP 141.66), with worldwide express shipping included. Please note that any applicable import duties are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this observant portrayal of a sheep—notice, for example, how the artist has left a tiny gap around the sheep’s head to give a sense of forward projection, or how the back foot appears “anchored” to the ground with tufts of grass at the heavier areas and a delicate line along what I believe is the cannon bone—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly send you a PayPal invoice to facilitate an easy and secure payment process.

This print has been sold