Cows in a River, at Sunset

Cows in a River, at Sunset was painted by Aelbert Cuyp in 1650, executed in oil paint on panel as a landscape composition. The work later entered the collection of Catherine II of Russia, from whose holdings its ownership history can be traced. It is now held at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, with the Hermitage Museum also listed among its collections. No information on an original commission, intermediate owners, or acquisition circumstances is documented in the available sources.

The painting is held by the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow, where it is inventoried as part of the collection formed under Catherine II of Russia.

It was included in the holdings of the Hermitage Museum before transfer to the Pushkin Museum, reflecting its eighteenth-century presence in the imperial collections.

Aelbert Cuyp, a prominent artist of the Dutch Golden Age, painted Cows in a River, at Sunset around 1650. This oil painting exemplifies his characteristic riverside landscapes, capturing a tranquil Dutch scene at dusk. It features a herd of cattle alongside a river, with architectural elements in the distance, all bathed in the warm, fading light of late afternoon. The work is held in the collection of the State Hermitage Museum.

As a leading figure in 17th-century Dutch painting, Aelbert Cuyp was particularly celebrated for his evocative landscapes. He frequently depicted the Dutch countryside and its waterways, often under specific lighting conditions such as early morning mist or the golden hues of late afternoon. Cows in a River, at Sunset aligns with this artistic focus, showcasing his skill in capturing the transient beauty of light and atmosphere.