# Sheep

**Nicolaes Berchem** (Dutch, 1620–1683)  
black and red chalk (possibly crayon)  
overall: 15 x 25.5 cm (5 7/8 x 10 1/16 in.)

Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1970.17.136. [The museum's record](https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.52280.html).

## About this work

Nicolaes Berchem drew this. It is now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

### What you’re looking at

This is a drawing of multiple sheep in various poses. The full-page illustration depicts several sheep lying down. The fur of the sheep is textured with detailed pencil strokes, and there are subtle hints of shadow beneath each animal. There is a combination of different angles and poses, showing the sheep from different perspectives. The drawing also contains some rough sketches and outlines, suggesting movement and presence without complete detail. The background is plain.

_Description from the National Gallery of Art._

### How it was made

- **Chalk.** Natural black, red and white chalks. Used together on toned paper they could give the warmth of flesh with very little effort, and they were favourites for studies from life.

### [Nicolaes Berchem](https://www.ochreeditions.com/artists/nicolaes-berchem)

Dutch, 1620–1683

## Facts

- Type: Drawing
- Real size: about 6 × 10 in (15 × 26 cm). The 8 × 10 in print is close to life size.
- Century: 17th century
- Subjects: mammal, Sheep
- Colour: brown
- Rights: public domain (CC0 1.0); free to use for any purpose.

## Get it

- Free download, full resolution: https://img.ochreeditions.com/m/1553.jpg?dl=1
- Image: https://img.ochreeditions.com/a/1553/1920.jpg
- Giclée reproduction on Hahnemühle Photo Rag: 8 × 10 in $28; 11 × 14 in $38; 12 × 16 in $42; 16 × 20 in $56; 18 × 24 in $68; 20 × 30 in $86
- Framed reproduction: 8 × 10 in $78; 11 × 14 in $98; 12 × 16 in $108; 16 × 20 in $138; 18 × 24 in $164; 20 × 30 in $208
- Canvas reproduction: 8 × 10 in $58; 11 × 14 in $72; 12 × 16 in $79; 16 × 20 in $98; 18 × 24 in $118
- Print-ready file: 8 × 10 in $2; 11 × 14 in $2; 12 × 16 in $3; 16 × 20 in $3; 18 × 24 in $3; 20 × 30 in $5

Sizes stop where the museum's file would print below 150 pixels per inch. Everything sold is a reproduction, made to order. [Order a print](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/sheep-nga-52280).