Herder en herderin met runderen en schapen bij een poel 1766 - 1815

This is a drawing by Jacob van Strij, made with pen and brown ink, depicting a landscape with figures and animals at a pool. The composition is structured around a horizontal band of water that crosses the foreground, acting as a mirror that reflects the softer tones of the sky. Van Strij has used subtle gradations of brown ink to create depth and atmosphere. The figures of the herder and herderin, perched on the backs of the cattle, are rendered with delicate lines that suggest movement and life. The artist also destabilizes the clear separation between nature and culture by integrating the human figures seamlessly into the pastoral scene. The cows and sheep are not merely livestock but become part of a broader symbolic landscape, reflecting 18th century philosophical notions of the picturesque. Ultimately, the drawing operates as a tableau, where formal elements combine to evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation. This carefully constructed scene invites viewers to reflect on humanity's place within the natural world.