Koe met halster 1639 - 1677

Anthonie van Borssom made this etching of a cow with a halter sometime in the mid-17th century. This was a period when the Dutch Republic saw its “Golden Age”, marked by unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing. During this time, Dutch artists began to shift away from traditional religious or historical subjects, instead focusing on scenes from everyday life. In this context, images of animals, especially livestock, became popular symbols of Dutch prosperity and agricultural prowess. Look at how Borssom presents this cow, not as a generic farm animal, but as an individual, with its own distinct character and presence. We can study archival documents, agricultural records, and period literature to better understand the social and economic significance of livestock in 17th-century Holland. It's fascinating to view art as an expression of the values, beliefs, and material conditions of a particular society.