Staande koe, naar links 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard made this drawing of a standing cow, facing left, with pen in grey, around the late 18th or early 19th century. During this period, the Dutch countryside was undergoing significant transformation, marked by agricultural reforms aimed at increased productivity. Cows, of course, were central to the rural economy and agrarian life. Bernard’s choice to depict this animal then, might be seen as a reflection of, or engagement with, the changing Dutch landscape. Consider how the cow is rendered. The cow is both an individual and a representation of labor and production. How does Bernard’s artistic decision affect your perception of the animal? This drawing offers a glimpse into a specific moment in Dutch history, inviting us to consider the relationships between humans, animals, and the land.