Nicolaes Berchem, was a Dutch painter of the 17th century who excelled in the art of painting landscapes. In the mid 1600's a new era of painting began where it was popular for a painter to travel to Italy for inspiration and return to his home country to complete his studies and be renowned as a master painter. Although there are no dated records of Berchem making his trip, it is widely accepted that he made his journey to Italy between the years of 1653 and 1655, as it is quite noticeable that his style of painting suddenly changed starting in the year 1653.
This particular painting of his was done with oil on canvas in 1657. It is entitled "Rocky Landscape with Antique Ruins" and depicts a shepherd bringing his flock of various animals home after a day in the pasture. This is included in Berchem's list of paintings influenced by his Italian travels, as the tone of the painting really highlights.