Piping Shepherds

This early picture by Cuyp dates from about 1643–44. The figures resemble those painted by the artist's father, Jacob Gerritsz. Cuyp, but the canvas is not one of their collaborative efforts. Many Dutch artists painted idyllic views of the Dutch countryside, but this one is distinguished by its charming naïveté: the pipers play, the animals assemble, and the dog seems to know it is time to go home.