The Cattle Ferry, Nicolaes Pietersz Berchem, c. 1655
oil on canvas, h 82.5cm × w 105.5cm × d 10.5cm More details
The ferry crossing is a hive of activity. Our attention is grabbed by the urinating grey horse at right, its rider giving orders with her outstretched arm. At centre a shepherd rearranges the load on his mule, while his dog barks loudly. By cleverly manipulating light, Berchem enhanced the accumulation of motifs that fill his compositions: even in the shadows, highlighted details spring to the eye.
