Liggende koe, naar rechts 1819

This is a drawing of a resting cow by Jean Bernard, made at the turn of the 19th century. At this time, the Dutch countryside was idealized as a symbol of national identity, in contrast to the urban centers that were becoming increasingly industrialized. Bernard's drawing, with its close attention to the animal's form and its peaceful setting, fits into this cultural context. It reflects the Romantic era's fascination with nature. But it also speaks to the economic importance of agriculture in the Netherlands at the time. Cows were not just picturesque subjects; they were vital to the country's economy and the livelihood of many of its citizens. To understand this drawing fully, we can consult agricultural records, economic surveys, and even literature from the period, to see how the image of the cow was embedded in Dutch society. The meaning of this drawing, like all art, is contingent on its social and institutional context.