Herd of Cattle at a Ford Near a Watermill 1646

"Herd of Cattle at a Ford Near a Watermill" is an etching by Jan van de Velde II, created in 1646, and now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection. The print depicts a pastoral landscape with a herd of cattle crossing a shallow ford, a watermill in the distance, and a figure tending to the animals. Van de Velde, known for his detailed depiction of animal subjects, captures the peaceful scene with careful attention to detail. This etching exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with the natural world and the rural life.