A 1989 etching by Simon Koene featuring a solitary sheep standing before an ancient stone stele inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphs.

This etching and aquatint by Dutch artist Simon Koene, dated 1989, presents a curious juxtaposition between the pastoral and the ancient. A solitary sheep stands in profile, positioned before a weathered stone stele covered in Egyptian-style hieroglyphs. The composition relies on a stark contrast between the organic form of the animal and the rigid, vertical geometry of the monument. Koene employs aquatint techniques to create textured surfaces, particularly in the background, where a mottled, golden-brown wash suggests a hazy or arid atmosphere. The sheep is rendered with careful attention to its woolly coat, while the stele appears worn, its carved figures partially obscured by time and the artist's mark-making. Koene is known for his technical proficiency in printmaking, often exploring themes that bridge the gap between reality and dreamlike states. The inclusion of an Egyptian stele in a setting that otherwise resembles a quiet field creates a sense of displacement. The viewer is invited to consider the relationship between the mundane presence of the animal and the historical weight of the inscribed stone. The work avoids narrative clarity, instead focusing on the visual tension created by these two disparate elements. The palette is restricted to earthy tones, which reinforces the archaeological quality of the scene. By placing the sheep, a creature of the present, alongside the ancient relic, Koene prompts a reflection on the passage of time and the persistence of symbols. The print demonstrates a high level of control over the etching process, with fine lines defining the hieroglyphs and deeper, darker tones grounding the base of the composition. This piece is a characteristic example of Koene's interest in combining historical motifs with contemporary subjects, resulting in a quiet, contemplative image that avoids easy interpretation.