Meadows with Cows and Herdsmen

Apart from his portraits and biblical scenes, Aelbert Cuyp owed his reputation primarily to the golden light that floods his landscapes.

Soft sunlight bathes the entire composition in a golden southern glow. The landscape sloping down to the sea is structured by energetic brush-strokes and strong chiaroscuro contrasts. Dynamic cloud-drift and the slanting, gnarled oaks give the impression of motion.