MASTERPIECE

Although the drawing is quite large, it is likely that the shepherd is only a detail from an elaborate composition. Nevertheless, this is a powerful image that, moreover, has an important verification value. The shepherd’s modest look was put on paper with a combination of different media. Van Thulden uses black chalk or charcoal to set out the composition and brings some colour to the figure’s face with red chalk. He refines the drawing with flowing brush lines in grey ink. The grey-washed shadowing adds depth to the drawing and Van Thulden also subtly emphasizes some parts. He applied highlights in white chalk to the shepherd’s eye, in his hair and to his neck. Purely because of the drawing technique, which was particular to Van Thulden, this cartoon offers the chance to possibly identify other stained-glass window designs by his hand in the future.