Like numerous other drawings by Berchem, this sheet was published in reverse as an engraving by Cornelis Visscher (1619 -1658) (Fig. 1). The printmaker’s death provides us thus with the latest possible date for the making of the drawing.
The subject of this richly detailed study corresponds to Berchem’s affinity for rural scenes with herdsmen and cattle. Italian influence is palpable as well, with the young artist having taken a voyage of study there before 1642. In particular the figure of the standing woman, with a basket of laundry on her head, is based on such recollections.