Comments on: The Bad Shepherd

By: Rannva

Rannva — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:34:35 +0000

The shepherd seems to look over his shoulder and not care about what takes place. Even the black sheep is running in the opposite direction. What I don’t quite understand is the spiky hair. It is such a contrast to all the other, very smooth and graceful, features in the painting. A wonderful painting. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

By: Alejandro

Alejandro — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 17:26:41 +0000

Thank you so much! Really a lovely picture and comments!

By: kd

kd — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:23:22 +0000

Many thanks, Andrew! I’ve long admired Brueghel, but was unaware of this wonderful painting.

By: Steve M

Steve M — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:52:21 +0000

Andrew, A wonderful painting, and another fine post. I am not sure why the source you quote refers to the shepherd’s “mental anguish.” Your close up of his face suggests a smirk to me, not regret or turmoil.

By: crusader88

crusader88 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:19:44 +0000

I’ve never seen this work before, and I too find it puzzlingly attractive; before I read the caption I had thought it was from the 20th Century.