Artwork
Cattle in a Meadow
Cattle in a Meadow is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Paulus Potter. It dates from 1652 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis.
About this work
Overview
Cattle in a Meadow, an oil painting from 1652, is a characteristic work by Dutch artist Paulus Potter, typifying his focus on landscapes with animals.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a serene rural scene with grazing cattle in a lush meadow, set against a backdrop of trees, a house, and a few cows in the foreground, evoking tranquility.
Technique & Style
Potter's meticulous rendering of textures—such as the cows' fur and foliage—and his nuanced use of light and shadow, create a sense of depth and realism, achieved through a predominantly muted palette of greens and browns.
History & Provenance
Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the painting is part of the approximately 100 works Potter produced before his death at 28. It is currently held in the Mauritshuis collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Paulus Potter (Dutch pronunciation: ; 20 November 1625 (baptised) – 17 January 1654 (buried)) was a Dutch painter who specialized in landscapes featuring animals, often from a low vantage point.
