Who painted Viehstück mit Hirtin?

Viehstück mit Hirtin was painted by Pieter van der Leeuw in 1671.

Where can I see Viehstück mit Hirtin?

Viehstück mit Hirtin is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Viehstück mit Hirtin?

Viehstück mit Hirtin is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Viehstück mit Hirtin

Pieter van der Leeuw , 1671

Viehstück mit Hirtin is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter van der Leeuw. It dates from 1671 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1671 by Pieter van der Leeuw, a painter active in the Dutch Golden Age, this oil work presents a tranquil rural tableau. The composition centers on a shepherdess seated on a rock beside a standing cow, set against a gently rolling landscape that includes distant mountains, trees, and a cloud‑filled sky. The piece is part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a moment of quiet pastoral life: a woman in traditional dress gazes outward while a cow stands nearby, suggesting a harmonious relationship between human caretaker and livestock. The direct eye contact of the shepherdess invites the viewer into the countryside setting, emphasizing themes of simplicity and the everyday rhythms of agrarian work.

Technique & Style

Van der Leeuw employs a clear, luminous palette typical of Dutch landscape painters, with careful modeling of forms through light and shadow.

Van der Leeuw employs a clear, luminous palette typical of Dutch landscape painters, with careful modeling of forms through light and shadow. Subtle chiaroscuro effects give the figures a sense of volume, while the atmospheric perspective in the background creates depth. The overall style reflects the Italianate influence that characterizes his work and that of his contemporary Adriaen van de Velde.

History & Provenance

Born in Dordrecht in 1647, van der Leeuw joined the local painters’ guild in 1669 and later served as its regent. After its creation, the painting entered various private collections before being acquired by the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s representation of 17th‑century Dutch art.

Context

During the mid‑17th century, Dutch artists frequently depicted bucolic scenes that celebrated the nation’s prosperous countryside. Van der Leeuw’s work aligns with this trend, combining realistic observation with idealized landscape elements. The inclusion of a solitary shepherdess and her animal reflects contemporary interest in genre subjects that convey moral simplicity and a connection to nature.