Landscape with Two Children Playing with a Goat, a Lamb and a Sheep - Simon van der Does

A delicate ink and wash drawing by Simon van der Does, depicting children interacting with livestock in a peaceful rural setting.

This work by Simon van der Does captures a quiet pastoral moment, typical of the Dutch Golden Age interest in rural life and animal studies. The composition features two children interacting with a small group of livestock, including a goat, a lamb, and a sheep. The scene is set against a rustic structure, with the soft application of ink wash providing depth and atmosphere to the figures and the surrounding environment.

Van der Does, the son of the painter Jacob van der Does, followed his father in specialising in these types of idyllic, animal-focused compositions. His technique relies on fluid lines and tonal variations to define the textures of the animals' coats and the children's clothing. The use of wash creates a sense of light and shadow, grounding the figures within the space while maintaining a sketch-like quality that suggests a direct observation of nature or a preparatory study for a larger painting.

The inclusion of the goat and sheep reflects the period's fascination with the pastoral tradition, which often sought to evoke a sense of simplicity and harmony. The figures are arranged in a relaxed manner, with the children appearing absorbed in their play. The background, though lightly suggested, provides a sense of distance and context, hinting at a wider rural setting. This print captures the technical skill of Van der Does in rendering animal anatomy and human form with economy and grace. It is a fine example of the draughtsmanship prevalent in the late seventeenth-century Netherlands, where such studies were highly valued for their ability to convey the character of both the subjects and the setting through minimal means.