Koeien in een landschap 1644

This etching by Hendrick Hondius I, titled "Koeien in een landschap" (Cows in a Landscape), dates from 1644. The detailed composition depicts a herd of cows grazing in a landscape with a large tree on the left, a river, and a distant cityscape. The scene showcases Hondius's mastery of etching, evident in the meticulous rendering of the animals, foliage, and atmospheric effects. The inscription at the bottom, "Ghy Heeren wachters wel neerſtelyck twefiet, Dat One geroeft werd de Hollandse koimet," suggests a satirical or allegorical meaning, referencing the watchful nature of the cows. The artwork exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with realism and natural detail, capturing a moment of everyday life in the Dutch countryside.