Italianised Landscape with Animals

These two paintings are pastoral scenes, imaginary stories that take place in an idyllic setting (inv. 1961-AG en 1961-AH). This genre only ever truly flourished in Holland. Carrée focused exclusively on idealized depictions of pastoral life in Arcadia, a bucolic, imaginary realm, far removed from everyday reality. In this paradisiacal dreamland, rural shepherds and shepherdesses lead a carefree life. They…

These two paintings are pastoral scenes, imaginary stories that take place in an idyllic setting (inv. 1961-AG en 1961-AH). This genre only ever truly flourished in Holland. Carrée focused exclusively on idealized depictions of pastoral life in Arcadia, a bucolic, imaginary realm, far removed from everyday reality. In this paradisiacal dreamland, rural shepherds and shepherdesses lead a carefree life. They wear clothes all’antica: not realistic costumes, but theatrical robes loosely inspired by the dress of classical antiquity.