Bergen, Dirck van – Landschap met herdersvolk en vee., 1660-1690 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a pastoral scene unfolding within a gently undulating landscape. A group of livestock – cattle, sheep, and goats – occupies the foreground, their forms rendered with careful attention to detail in terms of texture and light. The animals appear relaxed, grazing or resting amidst a scattering of foliage and low-lying vegetation.
A young woman, dressed in simple attire, is positioned centrally within the group of livestock. She reclines on the ground, seemingly engaged in an activity involving a calf lying beside her. Her posture suggests a moment of repose or quiet contemplation, integrating her seamlessly into the rural setting. A shepherd stands nearby, guiding a flock of sheep toward a stone bridge visible in the middle distance.
The bridge itself serves as a significant compositional element, leading the eye deeper into the landscape. Beyond it, a more expansive vista opens up, revealing distant figures and structures partially obscured by atmospheric perspective. The sky is overcast, contributing to a subdued and tranquil mood. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow, which enhances the sense of depth and realism.
The artist’s choice of subject matter – a rural idyll populated with livestock and human figures – hints at themes of pastoral life, simplicity, and harmony with nature. The presence of the shepherd suggests a connection to traditional occupations and a slower pace of existence. The bridge may symbolize transition or passage, hinting at journeys both literal and metaphorical.
The subdued color palette, dominated by earthy tones and muted greens, reinforces the overall sense of tranquility and naturalism. The careful arrangement of figures and animals within the landscape creates a balanced and harmonious composition, inviting contemplation on the beauty and serenity of rural existence.