Resting Cows
1601 to 1650
Medium
etching [counterproof]
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1975.23.1
Art Historical Context
Nicolaes Pietersz Berchem’s “Resting Cows” captures a quiet pastoral moment through the delicate medium of etching. Created as a counterproof—an impression pulled from a freshly printed etching to produce a reversed image—this work highlights the artist’s skill rendering animals and landscapes with, expressive lines. Berchem, a prominent figure in 17th-century Dutch art, frequently depicted livestock in serene outdoor settings, reflecting the period’s fascination with the natural world. The choice of etching allowed for intricate detail and tonal subtlety, making it ideal for intimate scenes ...