Alter Eichenbaum, unter dem sich zwei Rinder aufhalten 

Nicolas Henri Joseph de Fassin created this drawing, *Old Oak Tree with Two Cattle at Rest*, using pen and gray ink and gray wash. De Fassin was from Liège, a city whose history is marked by various rulers and cultural influences, reflected in its art and architecture. The artwork presents a seemingly idyllic scene of rural life, typical of the pastoral themes favored in the 18th century. Yet, this portrayal glosses over the socio-economic realities of the time. The focus on tranquil nature and grazing cattle served to mask the hardships faced by the peasantry and the increasing pressures of land use. Although understated, the representation of labor and nature raises questions about land ownership, and the romanticized view of country life. De Fassin invites us to reflect on the complicated relationships between humans, animals, and the land, urging us to look beyond the surface.