A Herdswoman Seated Amongst Her Animals, with a Lamb in Her Arms 1690

"A Herdswoman Seated Amongst Her Animals, with a Lamb in Her Arms" is a black and white drawing created in 1690 by Dutch artist Dirck van Bergen. The work, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a pastoral scene with a woman tending to her flock of sheep, cows and a donkey. Van Bergen was a specialist in animal drawing, known for his detailed and realistic depictions of animals in their natural habitats. The drawing's composition, with a central figure surrounded by animals, underscores the importance of animals in the daily life of rural communities. The artwork offers a glimpse into the agricultural world of 17th century Holland and the role of women in tending livestock.