An Extensive Landscape With Cattle Resting Simon Van Den Berg

The canvas presents a pastoral scene, dominated by a sprawling landscape populated with livestock. Here we observe a group of cattle – a large, reddish-brown bull taking center stage alongside several lighter-colored cows – grazing in a verdant field. A cluster of sheep rests near the base of a gnarled tree on the left side of the composition, their forms nestled amongst the foliage and roots.
The artist has employed a muted palette, favoring earthy tones of green, brown, and grey to evoke a sense of tranquility and naturalism. The light appears diffused, suggesting an overcast day or perhaps early morning, which softens the edges and contributes to the overall atmosphere of quietude. Brushwork is visible throughout; particularly in the rendering of the foliage and sky, lending texture and a degree of spontaneity to the scene.
The composition is structured around a receding perspective. The foreground features the immediate details of the animals and tree, while the middle ground shows the expanse of the field, and the background fades into distant hills under a cloudy sky. This creates depth and suggests an endless vista beyond what is immediately visible.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of rural life, the painting hints at deeper subtexts. The presence of both cattle and sheep – traditional symbols of prosperity and domesticity – suggests themes of abundance and pastoral harmony. The tree, with its aged appearance and sheltering branches, could be interpreted as a symbol of stability, longevity, or perhaps even refuge.
The subdued lighting and the animals’ relaxed postures contribute to an impression of serenity and contentment. It is not a scene of labor or hardship, but rather one of peaceful coexistence between humans (implied by the domesticated animals) and nature. The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler way of life, a romanticized view of rural existence that was often prevalent in artistic representations of the period.