Drie koeien bij een rivier 1798 - 1837

Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar created this delicate etching of 'Three Cows by a River', sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. At first glance, the image presents a serene pastoral scene, but consider how Bagelaar uses the language of etching to create this impression. Notice the density of fine lines which form the grove of trees to the left, in contrast with the sparser, almost skeletal trees to the right. This contrast guides our eye, drawing us into the composition. The river acts as a mirror, reflecting the landscape, but also fracturing it. This duality between reflection and fragmentation destabilizes the image. Bagelaar's etching engages with the philosophical discourse of his time, questioning the stability of perception. This seemingly simple scene invites us to consider how we construct meaning from the world around us.