Wei met liggende koe op de voorgrond 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard created this watercolor of a pasture with a reclining cow in the foreground, now in the Rijksmuseum. The composition is divided into horizontal registers, from foreground to background, creating a sense of depth. Look closely at how Bernard uses line and light to structure the image. The strong horizontal lines and the pale, diluted colors create a sense of tranquility. The reclining cow serves as a focal point, inviting contemplation of pastoral life. The simple, unadorned strokes capture the essence of the Dutch landscape. Bernard’s rendering of the cow isn't merely representational, it also engages with broader concerns about the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. The cow is a signifier of the natural world, idealized and integrated into the landscape. The formal qualities of line and light come together to offer a meditation on nature, rural life, and the semiotic codes embedded within it.