Koeien in een landschap 1644

Hendrick Hondius I created this landscape with cows, sometime between 1573 and 1650. This piece offers us a glimpse into the relationship between the Dutch and their land, at a time of great economic and artistic flourishing. Consider the choice of the cow as the central subject. In the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age, the cow was more than just livestock; it was a symbol of prosperity and national identity. As Dutch trade and colonial power expanded, so too did the market for agricultural products, and images such as this one reinforced the idea of a bountiful homeland. But there's more to it than just economics. Look closely and you'll see a landscape imbued with a sense of calm and order, as well as a certain pride in the land. Hondius’ landscape implies a sense of national pride inextricably linked to the natural resources and agricultural prowess of the Netherlands. The cows here are not merely animals, they are emblems of Dutch success and identity.