Dimensions height 87 cm, width 108 cm, depth 13.5 cm, weight 32 kg
Willem Maris painted "Meadow with Cows by the Water" with oil on canvas, capturing a serene landscape. This painting reflects the cultural embrace of rural life in the Netherlands during the late 19th century. As industrialization grew, art often turned to the countryside, idealizing the simplicity and tranquility of agricultural scenes. Maris, associated with the Hague School, captures the Dutch landscape with its characteristic low horizon, expansive sky, and grazing cattle. Windmills, like the one seen here, dotting the landscape, became emblems of Dutch identity and ingenuity. Cows, central to the rural economy, became frequent subjects in art, symbolizing prosperity and harmony with nature. To fully appreciate the cultural context of such works, researchers often consult period literature, agricultural records, and exhibition reviews. Understanding the institutions that supported and promoted such art—galleries, art academies, and patrons—enriches our appreciation, reminding us that art's meaning is deeply rooted in its time.
Comments
A vast polder, cows in the meadow and – in the background – a windmill: these have been the hallmarks of the Dutch countryside since the 17th century. Such landscapes with cows near a ditch were Willem Maris’ speciality. He especially lavished attention on the atmosphere; and, indeed, the warmth of a summer day is almost palpable in this painting.
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