Four Sheep and a Cow

Nicolaes Pietersz Berchem

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of livestock arranged in a symmetrical composition. The drawing features cows, sheep, and goats depicted in red chalk. There are two large cows standing upright in the upper portion of the drawing, with their heads turned slightly to the side. Below them are multiple sheep, including two standing sheep near the center and two sitting sheep with curly horns at the bottom. There are goats positioned on either side of the cows, each facing outward. The use of line and shading creates a detailed rendering of the animals, emphasizing their fur and musculature. The overall effect is a balanced arrangement of rural life, captured with a classical drawing technique.