Liggende koe, van voren 1815

Jean Bernard created this small drawing of a lying cow with graphite. The composition is deceptively simple: a cow viewed head-on, reclining in a field, yet the visual experience is rich. Bernard masterfully uses line and shading to bring forth depth and volume. Notice how the short, energetic strokes define the animal’s form, creating texture and mass. Bernard’s drawing exists within a tradition of animal studies, but it also transcends mere representation. It is a study in form, where the essence of the cow is captured through the artist's skillful manipulation of line and tone. The light catches the cow's head and back, creating an interplay of light and shadow that is quite striking. The animal is grounded by the short grasses, indicated by the same hatching technique used to give depth to the cow itself. The simplicity of the composition draws our attention to the animal's serene posture, inviting us to reflect on the beauty found in everyday subjects.