Artwork
Three Goats at the River
Three Goats at the River is an ink print by the Baroque artist Allart van Everdingen. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1650 by Dutch artist Allart van Everdingen, this small print is an etching that measures the quiet interaction of animals and landscape. The composition centers on three goats standing beside a river, framed by a modest wooden bridge, a thatched cottage, and a backdrop of trees and pines. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C.
Subject & Meaning
The scene presents a pastoral moment: three goats pause near a flowing stream, suggesting a brief respite in an otherwise wild setting. The inclusion of a thatched-roof hut and a simple bridge hints at human presence without dominating the natural environment, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence between rural life and the surrounding countryside.
Technique & Style
Van Everdingen employed the etching process, incising fine lines into a copper plate with acid to render delicate textures. The rippling water, the shaggy fur of the goats, and the wispy clouds are all conveyed through subtle, controlled strokes, creating a sense of atmospheric light and depth characteristic of his printmaking practice.
History & Provenance
The print was produced during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, a period when van Everdingen was active in both painting and printmaking. After changing hands among private collectors, it entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings, where it remains accessible to the public.
Context
Van Everdingen is better known for dramatic forest scenes and Nordic landscapes, yet this work reflects his broader interest in everyday rural subjects. The modest scale and quiet narrative align with mid‑17th‑century Dutch print traditions that valued detailed observation of nature and domestic life.
Artist & collection
Artist
Allaert van Everdingen (Dutch pronunciation: ; bapt. 18 June 1621 – 8 November 1675 (buried)), was a Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker in etching and mezzotint.
