Du Jardin Karel (1622 Ca./ 1678) - Grazing Calf

Type: Etching, mezzotint and/or burin;
Support: Heavy paper:
State: Excellent inking in black and white, good conservation with slight traces of foxing and browning;
print with narrow margins, signs of wear, glue/application marks on paper, water stain at the top, all as shown in the photo;
Shipping: INSURED courier BARTOLINI/DPD, declare any damage at the time of pickup;
Provenance: From a private collection;

Karel Dujardin (1622–1678) was one of the most versatile and brilliant artists of the Dutch Golden Age. Although he never completely abandoned his Dutch roots, he is best known as a member of the Bentvueghels, a group of painters (often active in Rome) who depicted scenes of daily popular and rural life with a warm, Mediterranean light.
Here are the key points to know his work:
The 'Italianizing' style: After a trip to Italy in his youth, his style changed dramatically. He began painting landscapes flooded with a golden light, with shepherds, classical ruins and animals, blending Dutch realism with the idyllic atmosphere of the Roman countryside.
Master of animals: As seen in the work you shared, Dujardin had an extraordinary ability to portray animals (cows, sheep, donkeys and pigs) not as mere decorations, but with a dignity and a almost 'psychological' realism.
Excellent engraver: In addition to painting, he produced about 50 etchings. His prints are highly sought after by collectors for the cleanliness of line and the ability to render complex textures (such as animal fur or tree bark) with few precise marks.
Curiosity: His nickname among the Flemish painters in Rome was 'Boccabarile', due to his alleged penchant for drinking and the jovial life of the Bentvueghels fraternity. Besides landscapes, he also successfully tackled elegant portraits and large historical or religious compositions, demonstrating a technical mastery far above the norm for his time.