Staand rund, van voren gezien 1842 - 1883

Johannes Hubertus Leonardus de Haas made this pencil drawing of a standing cow. De Haas was a Dutch artist, working in the latter half of the 19th century, a time when the Netherlands was undergoing significant agricultural and economic changes. The image of the cow is more than just a simple depiction of an animal; it connects to broader themes of rural life, animal husbandry, and the economic importance of livestock in Dutch society. Consider the cultural context: in the 19th century, the Netherlands relied heavily on agriculture, with cattle farming playing a vital role. Such imagery served to celebrate the nation's agrarian roots. To fully appreciate this drawing, we must consider the social conditions that shaped its creation. We can consider how the artist's training and the influence of artistic institutions might have shaped this piece. By consulting agricultural records, historical accounts, and art historical scholarship, we can gain deeper insights into the rich cultural and social history embedded within this drawing.