Composition (The Cow) 1917

Theo van Doesburg made this drawing, Composition (The Cow), using graphite on paper. The apparent simplicity of this sketch belies the labor involved, not just of the artist but also of the many hands involved in the production of graphite, the milling of wood for pencils, and the creation of paper. The image, a cow, is reduced to its most fundamental geometric forms. Look at how the artist uses short, hatched lines to create areas of tone, and longer strokes to define the structure of the animal. This use of rudimentary materials, and basic geometry, reflects the artist's engagement with the social and cultural issues of his time. The pared-down aesthetic is a deliberate choice, a move away from the elaborate artifice of academic painting. Considering these factors—materials, process, and social context—helps us to fully appreciate the meaning and significance of this seemingly simple drawing, and challenges our ideas about fine art versus craft.