Sheep flock. Argentina. Circa 1920.

Vintage photograph. Gelatin silver print. Soft sepia tone. Image dimensions: 18 x 27 cm. Finely framed with a white passe-partout and dark brown flat wooden stretchers. Artwork in excellent condition.

In the field of rural documentation, we must confess that photographs of sheep are considerably less common than those of cattle. Hence the interest in this unusual plein air scene of the herding of this large flock of Merino sheep. The work of a professional photographer who demonstrates his extensive experience in the craft, this shot allows us to appreciate the entirety of the picturesque rural scene.

The camera, positioned at a certain distance and height from the subject, captures the slow march of these animals at the opportune time of midday, presumably heading to a new grazing field. The two riders at the front, indicating the direction of the flock, are complemented by other herders at the rear, always attentive to the more skittish or lagging animals. The wide road highlights the importance of the area with its gentle hills, fenced fields, and even tall telegraph towers on both sides. Merino wool is highly prized for the softness of its white fleeces, and each sheep produces between 3.5 and 5 kg. According to the 2024 Census, Argentina has 12,440,000 sheep.

Abel Alexander

President of the Ibero-American Society for the History of Photography