The Cowherd

Paulus Potter

National Gallery of Art

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.