A Shepherd with his Flock in a Woody Landscape
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Date: probably 1615-22
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "A Shepherd with his Flock in a Woody Landscape" by Peter Paul Rubens. Painted around 1615-22, this oil on wood painting depicts a serene natural scene. The woods are dark and dense, but unthreatening, inviting exploration. A young shepherd leans on his crook, accompanied by his flock.
Note how the light catches their woolly coats, while the red of the boy's jacket in the shadow adds warmth to the whole picture. Rubens was known for his love of nature, which is evident in the detailed textures he painted - from rocks and pebbles to shaggy wool and stringy blades of grass.
Interestingly, this painting appears to be a two-stage work, with the central section completed first, and smaller panels added on either side. This technique was common for Rubens's landscapes, which often featured harmonious interactions between light and shadow.
See it in person
A Shepherd with his Flock in a Woody Landscape hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
