Dutch school of the 18th century

Dutch school of the 18th century.
"Landscape with animals and shepherd".
Oil on panel.
The frame is damaged.
Measurements: 28 x 41 cm; 51 x 65 cm (frame).

In this work the painter chooses an idyllic natural corner of Holland. In the foreground we see several farm animals grazing and resting next to the shepherd and his dogs. The composition is classical, centering the main figures in the foreground, thus showing a deep and open composition allowing us to see the distant village dominated by the tower of a church, worked with a delicate and nuanced chromatism, cold character, effect of distance, which contrasts with the warmer and denser tones of the foreground. For the way of treating nature and the savoir faire in the description of the animals, the painting can be related to Adriaen van de Velde, who painted winter landscapes, views of beaches, biblical scenes and bucolic panoramas where he demonstrated his natural talent for interpreting light and atmosphere. Adriaen is best known and appreciated for his landscapes, in which figures and animals take on considerable prominence.