Twee ossenkoppen 1841 - 1857

Two Oxen Heads was drawn by Johan Daniël Koelman. The artist died when he was just 25. The Dutch Golden Age saw an unprecedented increase in wealth, which changed artistic practices and gave rise to new genres, such as animal portraits. Oxen, as working animals, would have represented a more rural, working-class identity. Koelman has captured the personality of each animal, giving us an intimate look into their unique characters. In Dutch art of this period, animals were often portrayed as symbols of wealth and prosperity, reflecting the agricultural success of the time. The gaze of these creatures draws the viewer into a space of contemplation, inviting reflection on the relationship between humans and animals. They were essential to the agricultural economy, yet remained largely unseen and unappreciated. This artwork serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between labor, nature, and representation in art.