The Cowherd
1643
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1643
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Cowherd is a 1643 ink by Paulus Potter, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching depicts a serene scene of a cowherd, with three cows standing in the foreground and a fourth in the background. The cows are positioned on a small hill, surrounded by lush vegetation, with a body of water visible in the distance. In the background, a tree stands tall, adding depth to the composition. The overall atmosphere of the piece is one of tranquility, with the cowherd seemingly lost in thought as he tends to his animals. The use of etching as a medium adds a sense of texture and detail to the piece, drawing the viewer's eye to the intricate lines and shading. For more on this style of art, explore the Baroque movement.
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.
See the richer artist page