Koeien 1865 - 1913

This drawing of cows was made by Bramine Hubrecht, a Dutch artist born in the mid-19th century. Hubrecht's choice of subject matter connects to a wider trend in European art, namely an interest in rural life. In the Netherlands, the image of cows in a pasture carries particular cultural weight. We need to remember that the Dutch landscape is man-made and maintained. Cows are not simply part of the scenery; rather, they represent a triumph of agriculture and are a symbol of economic prosperity. Hubrecht’s sketchy, seemingly casual style contrasts with the high-minded rhetoric of the Dutch landscape tradition. Was she challenging the idea of the cow as a symbol of nationhood? Or was she simply exploring new artistic languages? These are the questions that art historians ask. By investigating the social context of an artwork we gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.