Jan Both – Men with an Ox and Cattle by a Pool Part 4 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a pastoral scene unfolding across a gently sloping landscape. A pool of water dominates the foreground, its surface reflecting the muted light of the sky and mirroring the surrounding vegetation. Several cattle – a white ox prominently positioned alongside darker-hued animals – graze near the waters edge, their forms rendered with careful attention to detail in terms of texture and form.
To the left, two figures are visible. One, clad in elaborate attire including a feathered hat, appears to be guiding or observing the livestock. The other figure is mounted on an ox-drawn cart, suggesting labor or transport. A sense of quiet industry permeates this area of the scene.
The middle ground rises into a low hill, densely covered with trees and foliage. This natural barrier creates depth within the painting and directs the viewer’s eye towards the distant horizon. Further back, another figure on horseback is discernible, adding to the impression of human presence within this rural setting.
The sky occupies a significant portion of the canvas, displaying a soft, diffused light with scattered cloud formations. The overall color palette leans toward earthy tones – browns, greens, and ochres – contributing to an atmosphere of tranquility and naturalism.
Subtleties in the work suggest more than just a simple depiction of rural life. The elaborate clothing of one figure hints at a social hierarchy or perhaps a narrative element beyond mere pastoral observation. The careful arrangement of the animals, particularly the prominent placement of the white ox, could carry symbolic weight – potentially representing prosperity, strength, or even religious allegory common in contemporary art. The distant rider suggests a journey or a connection to a world beyond this immediate landscape.
The painting evokes a sense of timelessness and harmony between humanity and nature, characteristic of idealized rural scenes prevalent during the period. It is not merely a record of a place but an exploration of human interaction with the natural world, imbued with understated symbolism and quiet contemplation.