Cow, Goat, Sheep Lying Down in Ruins n.d.

Jan Roos I, a Flemish artist, created this drawing of a cow, goat, and sheep lying down in ruins, using pen and brown ink in the early 17th century. Roos was known for his animal studies, a genre that gained prominence during a time of agricultural shifts and increased urbanization. This drawing invites us to consider the relationship between animals and the pastoral landscape that was so valued in the 17th century. Note the use of ruins in the background, a compositional element that underscores the tension between nature and civilization. The animals, rendered with a gentle realism, appear peaceful, yet there is an awareness of their presence within a scene marked by decline and neglect. Rather than present a romanticized view of rural life, Roos acknowledges the complexities of the human relationship with the natural world. These images reflect themes of care, labor, and a subtle commentary on the social and environmental changes of his time.