Liggende koe met distel 1791 - 1839

"Liggende koe met distel" (Lying cow with thistle) is a 19th-century drawing by Dutch artist Pieter Gerardus van Os. This detailed, realistic depiction showcases van Os’s mastery of animal anatomy and landscape. Created in a graphite and wash technique, the drawing depicts a cow lying down in a grassy field, likely in a Dutch landscape. The composition is simple yet effective, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing natural detail. The drawing, housed in the Rijksmuseum, demonstrates the influence of the Dutch Golden Age in capturing animal life and landscapes, a popular genre that van Os continued to explore.