Study I c. 17th century

Curator: This is "Study I" by Aelbert Cuyp, a Dutch Golden Age master born in 1620. There's no date associated with it, but it's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. What are your first impressions? Editor: The etching feels intimate, almost humble. It's a pastoral scene, yet the stark lines create a certain gravitas. I imagine the role of cows as a sign of wealth and prosperity in the 17th century. Curator: Cows are certainly a recurring motif in Cuyp's paintings. Their presence signifies the prosperity of the Dutch Republic, particularly its agriculture and trade. Think of them as symbols of national identity and success. Editor: That's fascinating. I am always wondering what messages are the artist trying to send. Curator: Yes, there's something deeply embedded in our cultural memory about the value of this rural prosperity. Editor: An image of simpler times! Thank you for sharing these insights.