Poelenb 27Valley Cornelis Van Poelenburgh

The composition presents a sweeping vista of a valley landscape contained within an oval format. The artist has arranged elements to create a sense of depth and expansiveness. A foreground area, dominated by a grassy plain, leads the eye towards a receding panorama of hills and mountains under a pale sky.
Here we see several figures engaged in pastoral activities. A small group, including what appears to be a shepherd or farmer accompanied by dogs, occupies the left side of the composition. They are positioned near a body of water that reflects the light from above. Further along the plain, other individuals on horseback and on foot appear to be tending livestock – sheep and goats – which populate the midground. The figures are rendered with relatively little detail, suggesting their role is more symbolic than individualistic.
The landscape itself is characterized by a range of textures and tones. A steep, rocky hillside rises prominently on the right side, contrasting with the gentler slopes visible in the distance. The artist has employed subtle gradations of color to suggest atmospheric perspective, making the distant mountains appear paler and less distinct. Dense foliage clings to the base of the rock face, adding a touch of vibrancy to an otherwise muted palette.
The overall impression is one of tranquility and harmony with nature. The scene evokes a sense of idealized rural life, far removed from urban concerns. Theres a deliberate lack of human intervention; no buildings or cultivated fields are visible, reinforcing the notion of a pristine, untouched environment. This absence could be interpreted as an allegory for simplicity, innocence, or perhaps even a yearning for a return to a more natural state. The oval format itself contributes to this sense of enclosure and timelessness, framing the scene like a precious memory or a carefully constructed ideal.