Strij van Jacob Landscape with cows Sun Abraham van Strij

The drawing presents a pastoral scene dominated by a muted palette of browns, yellows, and grays, suggesting a hazy or overcast day. Here we see a body of water, likely a river or inlet, occupying the left portion of the composition. A sailing vessel with prominent masts is anchored in the distance, its presence hinting at trade or connection to a wider world beyond this tranquil setting.
A group of cows are positioned near the foreground, their forms rendered with loose brushstrokes and varying tones that capture their texture and bulk as they drink from the waters edge. The artist has paid particular attention to depicting the play of light on their coats, creating a sense of volume and realism. To the right of the cattle, a figure on horseback guides them along a path. The rider is dressed in simple attire, suggesting a rural occupation or lifestyle.
A large tree with dense foliage occupies the upper-right corner, its branches extending across the sky and partially obscuring a distant townscape. This tree acts as a visual anchor, grounding the scene and providing a sense of depth. The buildings in the background are indistinct, rendered as simple shapes that contribute to the overall atmospheric effect rather than demanding individual attention.
The composition evokes a feeling of quiet contemplation and rural harmony. The subdued color scheme and loose rendering style lend an air of spontaneity and immediacy to the work. Subtly, theres a suggestion of human interaction with nature – the cows are being tended, the ship implies commerce – but this is presented without overt drama or narrative complexity. It’s a scene that emphasizes the simple rhythms of rural life and the beauty of the natural world. The overall effect is one of peacefulness and understated observation.