Koe in een weiland 1848 - 1888

This is Anton Mauve's sketch of a cow in a meadow, likely created in the late 19th century, a period marked by significant shifts in rural life and agricultural practices. Mauve, who was Vincent van Gogh's cousin-in-law and a significant influence on his artistic development, captures the pastoral scene with a directness that speaks to the changing relationship between humans and nature. During this time the Netherlands saw a wave of urbanisation and industrialisation, this piece seems to be more focused on preserving scenes of traditional rural life. How do representations of animals in art reflect our understanding of labour, nature, and even sentience? There's an undeniable emotional quality to Mauve's sketch – a quietude that perhaps reflects a yearning for a simpler, more agrarian past. It serves as a reminder of the deep ties between identity, place, and history, prompting us to consider how we represent and value the natural world around us.