The Cowherd

1643 (printed 1868?)

Paulus Potter

Associated Names
Paulus Potter

Artist, Dutch, 1625 - 1654

The image shows a group of cows near a body of water. The viewpoint is slightly elevated, looking down at the scene. The horizon is at the top of the image, above a narrow strip of land in the distance. Closest to the viewer, a cow stands on a small hill with another cow lying next to it among foliage. More cows are gathered further away, slightly elevated, with some sparse trees. Faint buildings or structures can be seen on the horizon by the water. The etching technique is detailed, with fine lines used to create texture on the cows and foliage. The color palette is monochromatic in shades of brown and sepia. Birds are visible in the sky above the horizon.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ellwanger/Mescha Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 18.1 × 20.2 cm (7 1/8 × 7 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 21 × 25.5 cm (8 1/4 × 10 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2017.19.36

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein no. 14, State vii/vii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

A. Thompson Ellwanger III and Gregory E. Mescha, Baltimore; gift to NGA, 2017.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge: no. 14, vii/vii

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Paulus Potter In et f. 1649; by later hand, upper left verso in graphite :The Herdsman

Watermarks

HALLINES

Wikidata ID

Q76355076

You may be interested in

Loading Results