Artwork
Landscape with Resting Cows and Goats
Landscape with Resting Cows and Goats is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Paulus Potter. It dates from 1643 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Landscape with Resting Cows and Goats is a 1643 oil painting by Dutch artist Paulus Potter, characterized by a serene pastoral scene of animals at rest.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on cattle and goats in a tranquil landscape, with the animals depicted in varied poses, set against a natural backdrop with subtle human presence in the background, hinting at the animals' care.
Technique & Style
Executed from a low viewpoint, typical of Potter's style, the work features visible brushstrokes, a predominantly earthy palette of browns, greens, and grays, and textured elements that enhance the naturalistic ambiance.
History & Provenance
Created during the Dutch Golden Age, this painting is part of the approximately 100 works produced by Potter before his early death from tuberculosis. It is currently housed in the Alte Pinakothek collection.
Context
Reflective of the Dutch Golden Age's emphasis on everyday life and natural settings, the painting embodies the period's appreciation for serene, detailed depictions of the countryside.
Legacy
As one of Potter's characteristic animal-focused landscapes, it contributes to his reputation as a specialist in the genre, despite his short career.
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.
