Landschap met twee ossen c. 1690

Willem de Heusch created this etching, “Landscape with Two Oxen,” sometime in the 17th century. Notice how the composition draws you into a serene pastoral scene. A winding path guides your eye through the landscape. This path leads to a distant horizon, punctuated by soft, atmospheric clouds. The meticulous etching technique creates a play of light and shadow, defining forms and textures. The trees, rendered with delicate lines, frame the composition, adding depth and structure. See the contrast between the detailed foreground and the more loosely rendered background? This contrast enhances the sense of space and invites contemplation. The arrangement of elements suggests a structural framework, perhaps echoing the 17th-century interest in order and harmony. The presence of the oxen and herdsman adds a narrative element, humanising the landscape. Yet, the overall effect is one of structured calm, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between nature and human presence.