Before the 17th century, animals in Western art appeared usually as secondary objects, a means of enhancing the principal theme of the work: horses, for example, would be necessary in a battle scene, a miniature cow might be needed to balance a landscape; a puppy could highlight the appeal of a child, a rearing steed lent an emperor his power. Seventeenth-century Dutch and Flemish painters, on the other hand, turned to the mundane and the familiar; just as they made flowers, food, barrooms, and bedrooms their principal subjects, so also they did the same for animals. Paulus Potter’s monumental cows, for example, are familiar images

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Topsail Beach is the smallest of three cities on the 26-mile-long island of Topsail off the North Carolina coast. The town has about 500 year-round residents. During summer weekends, 10,000 to 15,000 people visit the island. Even with the influx of tourism, the town is still fairly secluded on weekdays. Here you will get a good picture of what beaches were like before they became tourist attractions.
Beach

Topsail beach has miles of unspoiled and uncrowded beach. Walking, jogging or bicycling along the beach without a distraction other than the waves is soothing emotionally as well as being a great physical health benefit.

Surfing is a popular activity at Topsail Beach. Lessons are available, and surfboards can be rented from outfitters in the summer season. Wind surfing is also available. Lessons are available and advisable for anyone not familiar with the sport.

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