Artwork
Shepherdess with Cattle

Shepherdess with Cattle is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Adriaen van de Velde. It dates from 1661 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Shepherdess with Cattle, a 1661 genre painting by Adriaen van de Velde, is part of the collection at the Statens Museum for Kunst. The work depicts a serene rural scene.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a weary yet attentive woman herding a small group of cows in a field. Her posture conveys fatigue and concentration, capturing a quiet moment of rural life.
Technique & Style
Van de Velde employed a subdued color palette to evoke a sense of calm, with an overcast sky, short grass, and scattered cows contributing to the tranquil atmosphere. The composition balances the central figure with the natural surroundings.
History & Provenance
Created in 1661, the painting is now held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, though specific details of its ownership history prior to museum acquisition are not provided here.
Context
As a genre scene, Shepherdess with Cattle reflects 17th-century Dutch interest in depicting everyday life, particularly peaceful rural settings, which were popular during this period.
Legacy
While not individually highlighted in the provided sources, the painting contributes to Adriaen van de Velde’s reputation for serene and detailed genre paintings, reflecting his contribution to Dutch Golden Age art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adriaen van de Velde, was a Dutch painter, draughtsman, and print artist. His favorite subjects were landscapes with animals and genre scenes. He also painted beaches, dunes, forests, winter scenes, portraits in…














