Landschaft mit Zaun, Hirte mit Hund, links zwei Ziegen 1666

This is a drawing in pen and brown ink by Cornelis Saftleven, a Dutch artist born in 1607. It depicts a rural landscape with a fence, a shepherd with his dog, and two goats. Saftleven was working during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing, but also stark social hierarchies. Landscapes like this one played a key role in shaping Dutch national identity. The image is not just a neutral depiction of nature. The carefully arranged elements – the path, the fence, the animals – suggest a cultivated and controlled environment, reflecting the Dutch emphasis on order and prosperity. The church in the background reminds us that religion played a central role in the artist's life. By studying Saftleven's drawings alongside historical records, economic data, and religious texts, we can gain a deeper understanding of Dutch society.