Lying cattle to the left 

Adriaen van de Velde made this drawing, "Lying cattle to the left," in the 17th century. Van de Velde lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by unprecedented economic prosperity, global trade, and a flourishing of the arts. This drawing reflects the era's complex relationship with nature and agrarian life. During this time, the Dutch countryside was not just a backdrop but a symbol of national identity and prosperity. Van de Velde's choice to depict cattle, animals central to the Dutch economy and diet, speaks to the intersection of culture and commerce during this period. While his work seems simply to depict the realities of Dutch life, it also participates in the narrative of Dutch cultural superiority. There is an emotional resonance in this image, a kind of tranquil observation, that encourages a dialogue between the viewer and the pastoral subject.