Eugen Joseph Verboeckhoven (1799-1881) studied sculpture and painting with his father Bartholomew. During his lifetime his romantic pictures of animals earned him an international reputation, and were particularly well received in the USA and England, where his work is amply represented. His careful technique produced a velvety finish and surfaces which seem to be bathed in a golden light. As a young man he travelled to London and studied the big cats at the Royal Menagerie. In addition to being a member of the academies in Belgium, Antwerp, and St Petersburg, he was awarded the highest honours, including the Cross of the Légion d'Honneur, and the Order of Leopold of Belgium.

A nanny goat, in the centre, standing in a stream and looking up to the left; there are sheep around her and a shepherd in the middle distance, on the right, amidst his flock; with undulating downs and mountains beyond, under an expanse of blue sky.