Paulus Potter – A Landscape with Cows, Sheep and Horses by a Barn Part 5 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a pastoral scene, dominated by a sprawling landscape populated with livestock and a modest structure. The artist has arranged elements to create depth and a sense of expansive space. A weathered barn, constructed from rough-hewn timber and topped with a thatched roof, occupies the middle ground, anchoring the foreground. Adjacent to it sits a wooden cart, partially obscured by foliage and suggesting recent activity or use.
A diverse collection of animals – cows, sheep, and horses – are scattered across a grassy area leading towards a gently sloping hillside. The cows are rendered with considerable attention to detail, their varied markings and postures contributing to the overall realism of the scene. Sheep graze peacefully, while several horses stand in a loose group, seemingly at rest. A fallen log lies near the foreground, adding a touch of natural disorder to the otherwise tranquil setting.
The landscape extends into the distance, revealing rolling hills bathed in soft light. The sky is rendered with considerable skill, featuring billowing clouds that suggest atmospheric depth and movement. The artist’s use of aerial perspective – a softening of detail and color intensity as objects recede – further enhances the illusion of space.
Subtly, the painting conveys a sense of rural harmony and prosperity. The presence of livestock suggests an agricultural economy thriving in this environment. The barn and cart imply human intervention and labor within the natural world. The overall impression is one of quiet abundance and a connection to the land – a celebration of pastoral life seemingly untouched by the complexities of urban existence. The light, diffused and warm, contributes to a feeling of serenity and timelessness.