Artwork

Wooded Country with Cattle

Wooded Country with Cattle, by Unknown, 1679
Wooded Country with Cattle, by Unknown, 1679

Wooded Country with Cattle is a photography by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1679 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Wooded Country with Cattle is an image produced in 1679 by the artist identified as 903_person. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It depicts a tranquil rural landscape populated by livestock, rendered in monochrome tones that emphasize form and atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a forested pasture where sheep graze beneath a canopy of trees, while a solitary cow occupies the central space, gazing outward. In the distance, low hills dissolve into a misty horizon, and a few sheep recline, suggesting a moment of repose within an agrarian setting.

Technique & Style

The image relies on strong contrasts between deep shadows and gentle illumination, a chiaroscuro approach that models the figures and foliage with a three‑dimensional quality. The interplay of light across the animals and trunks creates layered depth, reinforcing a calm, timeless ambience.

History & Provenance

Created in the late seventeenth century, the work has remained in institutional care, currently housed at the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 903_person reflects cataloguing conventions rather than a widely recognized name, and the piece has been documented as part of the museum’s photographic holdings.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known