ARTWORKS

A Landscape with Cows, Sheep and Horses by a Barn

Paulus Potter (1625–1654)

The National Gallery, London

A Landscape with Cows, Sheep and Horses by a Barn

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This scene of rural tranquillity is typical of the work of Paulus Potter, who was famous in his lifetime for his paintings of domestic animals. The hilly terrain and summer light are more reminiscent of Italy than Holland, but these are most definitely Dutch cows. Potter has observed them with great care: look at the way the closest to us closes its eyes while it chews the cud and, just behind, another tenses its body as it urinates.

Other details contribute to a sense of peace and plenty: the cows’ udders are full, ready for evening milking, the hay barn is stacked to the rafters and in the field beyond the corn has been cut and gathered into stooks. The animals, sky and landscape – in harmonious greens, browns and blues – are all touched by the golden glow of the late afternoon sun.

The National Gallery, London

London

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Title

A Landscape with Cows, Sheep and Horses by a Barn

Date

1651

Medium

Oil on oak

Measurements

H 57.7 x W 52.9 cm

Accession number

NG849

Acquisition method

Bought, 1871

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Paulus Potter

1625–1654

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