Unter einer Eiche an einem Zaun ein Hirte mit zwei Kühen 

Jan Hulswit created this drawing, now held in the Städel Museum, using pen, brush, and gray ink over pencil. The composition centers on a massive oak tree, its branches arching protectively over a pastoral scene that exudes a sense of tranquility. Hulswit masterfully employs the monochrome palette to direct our gaze. The subtle gradations of gray evoke a range of textures, from the rough bark of the tree to the soft fur of the resting cows. The strategic placement of light and shadow creates depth, inviting the viewer into this serene landscape. The drawing challenges fixed meanings of pastoral art. Instead of an idealized scene, Hulswit presents an intimate and informal view of nature. By focusing on the simple beauty of the everyday, Hulswit invites us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. Note the delicate lines defining the leaves and branches, a testament to Hulswit's meticulous technique. This precise draftsmanship serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also invites contemplation on the structural beauty inherent in nature itself.