Cattle and Sheep with Shepherds and Shepherdess n.d.

Dirck van Bergen made this drawing of cattle and sheep with shepherds and shepherdess sometime in the latter half of the 17th century. The sepia ink and delicate lines belie the labor-intensive industries depicted. The scene conveys a sense of pastoral calm, yet each animal represents a significant economic resource. Sheep provided wool for the booming textile industry, while cattle were essential for meat, dairy, and leather production. Even the landscape itself, rendered with such care, speaks to the concept of land as property and a source of wealth. Van Bergen's choice of sepia ink, a traditional drawing medium, adds a layer of refinement to the subject matter, elevating the everyday labor of shepherding to a scene worthy of artistic contemplation. The drawing serves as a reminder that even seemingly idyllic images can be deeply intertwined with the realities of labor, class, and consumption. Ultimately, it challenges us to consider the social and economic context in which art is made and consumed.