This detailed engraving features an elevated point of view, showing a landscape with animals in the foreground. Three livestock animals—a goat, a sheep, and a ram—are intricately depicted. In the background, a river flows with figures in boats. The horizon showcases a cityscape on hills extending to mountain fortifications. The distant city has spires and domes suggesting a bustling metropolis. The monochromatic image uses varying line density for depth and texture, creating a harmonious visual effect. Rocky cliffs to the right show paths and figures, adding a dynamic element to the tranquil scene.
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This detailed engraving features an elevated point of view, showing a landscape with animals in the foreground. Three livestock animals—a goat, a sheep, and a ram—are intricately depicted. In the background, a river flows with figures in boats. The horizon showcases a cityscape on hills extending to mountain fortifications. The distant city has spires and domes suggesting a bustling metropolis. The monochromatic image uses varying line density for depth and texture, creating a harmonious visual effect. Rocky cliffs to the right show paths and figures, adding a dynamic element to the tranquil scene.

National Gallery of Art · Print

A Goat, a Ewe, and a Ram

Adriaen Collaert

Date
c. 1597
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 12.2 × 19 cm (4 13/16 × 7 1/2 in.) sheet: 12.7 × 19.3 cm (5 × 7 5/8 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1972.28.83
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Animalium Quadrupedum: pl.13 [New Holl. 1462-1481]

Subjects and terms

  • figure
  • Flemish
  • Water
  • Boat
  • Sheep
  • animal
Provenance

(Lucien Goldschmidt, Inc., New York); purchased by the NGA, 1972.

NGA object ID 53247. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.