Koe in weiland 1859

Dirk van Lokhorst made this etching of ‘Cow in Meadow’ in 1830. It depicts two cows in a typical Dutch landscape. This rural scene reflects the Netherlands’ strong agricultural identity during the 19th century. The image creates meaning through the visual codes of Dutch realism, which emphasized accurate depictions of everyday life, often with a focus on the landscape and its inhabitants. Cows, central to the Dutch economy, became popular subjects for art and symbols of national prosperity. The artist's decision to depict this seemingly mundane scene suggests the growing importance of agriculture in Dutch society and culture. To understand this work better, we might turn to agricultural records and economic data. The meaning of art relies so much on its social and institutional context.