Italian Landscape with a Young Shepherd Playing with his Dog
Karel Dujardin
c.c.1660 - 1665
Du Jardin, who made several journeys to Italy, has made the Mediterranean heat of this Italian landscape almost tangible. The shepherd boy lies languidly playing with his dog. He is taking a break, as his horse is grazing peacefully and his provisions are ready to eat.
Du Jardin has not chosen the easiest way to depict the shepherd: at right angles to the picture plane. However, he has managed to solve the perspective problems excellently.
oil on panel
31.2 x 37.6 cm.
Gift J. Goudstikker, Amsterdam, 1919