Berg Simon Van Den An Extensive Landscape With Cattle Resting Dutch painters

The canvas presents a pastoral scene, dominated by a sprawling landscape and a small herd of cattle. The foreground is characterized by a gently sloping terrain, transitioning from a darker, earthy patch near the tree to a vibrant green pasture. A large, mature tree with dense foliage occupies the left side of the composition, its branches extending towards the sky and providing shade for several sheep clustered at its base.
A prominent reddish-brown cow stands centrally, facing forward, commanding attention through its size and posture. Several other cattle are scattered across the field, some resting, others grazing peacefully. The artist has rendered them with a focus on their textures – the rough hide of the bull contrasting with the softer wool of the sheep.
The background reveals a distant horizon line punctuated by rolling hills and hints of settlement – a suggestion of human presence without intruding upon the tranquility of the scene. A cloudy sky, painted with loose brushstrokes, occupies the upper portion of the canvas, contributing to the overall atmospheric effect. The light appears diffused, creating a sense of calm and stillness.
The painting evokes themes of rural life, abundance, and harmony between humans and nature. The careful arrangement of animals – the resting sheep, the grazing cattle, the solitary bull – suggests a cyclical rhythm of existence, a quiet prosperity rooted in the land. The subdued color palette and soft lighting contribute to an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation. There is a deliberate avoidance of dramatic action or narrative; instead, the focus remains on capturing the essence of a peaceful moment within a pastoral setting. The artist seems interested not just in depicting livestock but also in conveying a sense of timelessness and connection to the natural world.