Gerrit Adriaensz. Berckheyde: View of a Town with Figures; Goats; and Wagon before a Church; Gerrit Adriaensz. Berckheyde; c. 1670; Oil on canvas; Gerrit Berckheyde was a Dutch painter from Haarlem; known for his crisp depictions of architectural monuments and urban spaces. Human figures in Berckhyede's canvases are usually small in scale and secondary to the architecture. This painting is unusual; then; in its careful attention to the figures and their activities. While one woman leans over a laundry basket; another beats a garment as part of the washing process; a third draws water out of a well. The central figure walks with a herd of goats; perhaps returning from the market; another carries a baby atop a wagon. It is an idealized vision of city life; with plenty of food; water; and industrious citizens warmed by the sun; interacting harmoniously.; Overall: 16 x 19 1/2 in. (40.6 x 49.5 cm)