Twee koeien in de wei 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard made this drawing of two cows in a meadow using pen in brown and gray and brush in gray ink. This unassuming image speaks volumes about the cultural relationship between the Dutch and their landscape, and the central role of cattle in the rural economy. Made in the late 18th or early 19th century, the drawing presents an idealised view of the countryside, with grazing cows, a distant windmill, and a tranquil atmosphere. We see a deliberate construction of national identity, one that emphasizes harmony between humans and nature. The Dutch Republic, which prized commerce and innovation, could also promote an image of pastoral serenity. To fully appreciate this work, one might consult agricultural records, landscape painting traditions, and travel accounts of the period. The social and institutional contexts always shape how we look at art, adding layers of meaning to even the simplest scenes.