Twee studies van een koe 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made these two studies of a cow with pen in ink on paper. Tavenraat lived and worked in the Netherlands during the 19th century, a time of burgeoning agricultural science and innovation. Here, we see the artist has made a fairly straightforward rendering. It is the kind of image that might be found in a scientific textbook, something that could be used as a study guide. In fact, Tavenraat was known for his animal paintings. While this piece does not necessarily critique the art institutions of its time, the style and subject matter is a testament to the rising status and importance of livestock in Dutch society. Historical research into Dutch agricultural practices, as well as the archives of art academies, could provide greater context. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.