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The Good Shepherd (The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ)

Art Appreciation

In this evocative illustration, the scene unfolds with a haunting tranquility, where nature envelops a solitary figure sprawled on the ground. The lifeless man, depicted in a state of repose, captures a moment of deep stillness amidst the chaos of life that surrounds him. His bare skin contrasts starkly with the gentle greens of the grass beneath him and the soft earth that cradles his form. Nearby, a grouping of sheep grazes leisurely, perhaps unaware of the tragedy nearby, while a lion watches from a distance, its powerful presence looming yet stationary, adding an element of tension to this pastoral scene.

The composition's balance, with the lion positioned to the left, draws the eye across the landscape, where rolling hills meet a vast sky adorned with scattered clouds. The careful detailing amplifies the emotional pull of the image, as the viewer is caught in a web of contemplation — the vulnerability of man against the relentless forces of nature. In this quiet confrontation between life and mortality, the use of line work and shading adds depth, lending an almost three-dimensional feel to the illustration. This work invites speculation: what has led to this stillness? Is it an omen or simply an unfortunate end? Even in silence, the narrative resonates powerfully, leaving an indelible impression on the mind.

The Good Shepherd (The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ)

John Everett Millais

Category:

Created:

1864

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0

Dimensions:

2440 × 3121 px

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