Heinrich Johann von Zügel (German, 1850-1941)

When considering Heinrich von Zügel's oeuvre, it is clear that his background played an important role in his choice of subject matter: as the son of a shepherd he would focus especially on cattle, and in particular on cows and sheep.

In the present painting the influence of impressionism is clearly visible in for example the handling of paint in the grass and sky. This is brought together with realistically treated fleeces of the sheep. In combining these two styles, Von Zügel has created a beautifully naturalistic representation of a flock grazing in a sunlit meadow.

Von Zügel was already celebrated during his lifetime. He received awards for his talent in Munich in 1883 and 1888 and shortly after he was also appreciated abroad, being honoured with a golden medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1899. One year later his fame crossed continental borders when he received an award in Chicago.