Twee voorstellingen met koeien 1735 - 1771

These two images with cows were created by Jan Matthias Cok, an etcher who died in 1771. The composition of both scenes involves a delicate balance between open space and detailed figuration, with the cows rendered through fine, intricate lines. The upper scene shows cows in motion, their forms built up through layers of hatching that give a sense of volume and depth. There is a striking contrast between the lead cow, solid and present, and the other cows that diminish in size, which creates an illusion of recession into space. Note how the artist uses light and shadow to define the musculature of the animals and to give an overall sense of vitality. In the lower scene, a mood of stillness prevails as the cows rest, their shapes softly rounded, suggesting a pastoral calm. The composition’s simplicity underscores a theme of tranquility and harmony between the animals and their environment. These scenes offer a glimpse into the 18th-century artistic fascination with nature.