Twee liggende koeien 1740 - 1801

Jacobus Buys made this drawing of two resting cows using pen in brown ink, on paper. This isn't your typical art material like oil paint or marble. The choice of ink and paper brings a sense of immediacy, as if Buys quickly captured a scene from everyday life. Notice how the brown ink creates a warm, earthy feel, perfectly matching the pastoral scene. The fine lines made with the pen allow for detailed shading, giving volume to the cows' bodies. It also creates a sense of texture in the grass and foliage. Drawings like this one were often studies for larger paintings or prints. The scene reminds us of the Dutch landscape tradition, where farm animals were symbols of prosperity. The drawing serves as a reminder of the Dutch relationship with the land, and the agricultural labor that shaped their economy and culture. It blurs the boundaries between fine art, documentation, and social commentary.