This item is a steel engraving from the original painting by Rosa Bonheur called “THE SHEPHERD.”  It was engraved by C. Cousen and published in 1877.  The engraving is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 6 ¼” x 10”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

‘The Shepherd’ is a very pleasing and discriminative specimen of Rosa Bonheur’s work, in which are seen the quietude and gentleness of Nature as distinguished from the noise and bustle and power exhibited in the well-known ‘Horse Fair.’ In foreign countries the flocks are more accustomed to follow their keepers than to be driven by them: and here we see the stalwart old shepherd, who is probably leading homeward his sheep at the decline of day - the long shadows on the ground help to determine the time - has brought them to halt while he watches one his dogs, the other seating itself with his eyes on the flock before him - bringing back a wanderer to its companions. The foremost sheep have been carefully studied, as so to give variety to their forms and attitudes.  The picture may rank with this gifted artist’s most successful pastorals.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, engravings and lithographs are printing processes, which use steel, copper, stone or wood blocks or plates to produce a picture on paper.

Most antique prints and engravings, which are seen on the internet today, are bookplates.  Because they are pages from a book, there are multiple copies in existence.  This does not, however, mean that they are "reproductions" that have been printed recently.  Because they were, at some point, part of books, some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others show signs of age, as yellow spots or darkness on the edge of the page from being handled.

Engravings, and lithographs are high quality pieces of art, as it took a highly trained artist many hours of work to produce one.  Although there may be multiple copies still in existence, the date of the item should be stated, thus giving the buyer an idea of its age.