Kühe, Schafe, eine Ziege, ein Pferd und ein Hund bei einem Wasser 

Curator: This drawing is entitled "Küche, Schafe, eine Ziege, ein Pferd und ein Hund bei einem Wasser"—roughly translated, "Cows, Sheep, a Goat, a Horse and a Dog by Water." It’s an unsigned piece currently held at the Städel Museum. Editor: The light in this artwork is gorgeous. So muted and calm. A drowsy pastoral scene. Curator: Observe how van Bergen utilizes pencil to meticulously capture the nuances of light and shadow, particularly on the animals' forms. Consider also how the artist integrates Baroque themes within the composition. Editor: Yeah, it feels both spacious and somehow claustrophobic. All these gentle beasts crammed together, sharing water... even the textures seem to amplify each other: rough wool against sleek muscle, damp earth beside bristly fur. Curator: Semiotically, each animal represents a piece of the broader pastoral narrative, conforming to distinct signs that constitute conventional farm imagery and symbolic visual language. The water becomes a unifying element, mirroring reflections. Editor: Exactly! It's more than just an animal portrait. This piece captures something almost sacred about their interconnectedness, this simple gathering at the watering hole. Look at that cheeky dog at the bottom. I wonder if the horse at the top of the picture is annoyed at his intrusion? Curator: We can see it in a structural way: How the repetition of rounded forms—the animals’ bodies—contrasts to the vertical tree trunks. Editor: For me it echoes some universal craving, you know? A need for peace and belonging. A quiet invitation, really. Curator: Indeed. Analyzing the drawing's form enhances our insight of both baroque compositional structures, while seeing what themes endure. Editor: And letting our hearts connect, perhaps we too can understand a bit about community, reflection and belonging.