Peasants with Cattle fording a Stream

Artist: Nicolaes Berchem (Dutch, 1620 - 1683)

Original Dimensions: 11 5/8" x 17 7/8"

Location: National Gallery of Art, London

About Artwork: (About 1670-80) "Many Dutch artists went to live in Italy when they were young and brought their idyllic dreams of a warmer, slower, rural lifestyle home to an enthusiastic Dutch public. Nicolaes Berchem was probably one of them. Dutch cities were growing fast and people were migrating to them from the country in large numbers. Perhaps they wanted memories of home – or an idealised version of the countryside. The slow, patient cows, painted in warm browns and glowing whites, look out at us with soft eyes. Two women, strong and statuesque, wade through the water. The low sun catches their sturdy calves and strong arms, with touches of brilliant white in long, thick hair, on pushed-up sleeves and on the lowered neck of their dog. Above all, the picture evokes sound – not just the occasional moo from a cow, but the sudden creak as it moves, the whisk of a tail, the swish of hooves in the gurgling water and the bleat of a sheep or goat." - (National Gallery of Art, London)