Cornelis van Poelenburch belonged to the first generation of Italianate painters, who were active in Rome between 1620 and 1630. Their work is characterized by warm lighting and striking colour contrasts, while utmost care is given to detail and to lively figures and objects. The landscapes painted by the second generation of Italianate painters are decorated with motives from the daily life, such as travellers, herdsmen with cattle and sometimes the painter himself drawing at the spot. The cow in the centre has been improved by the artist himself. Such an improvement is called a repentir.