Koeien in een weiland 1848 - 1888

"Koeien in een weiland," or "Cows in a Meadow," is a pencil drawing by Anton Mauve that captures a fleeting moment in the Dutch countryside. Mauve, who lived in a time when industrialization was rapidly changing landscapes and ways of life, often depicted rural scenes, perhaps as a way to preserve a disappearing world. His work reflects an intimate connection to the land. During this period, the representation of animals, particularly livestock, also carried undertones about ownership, labor, and the agrarian economy. While seemingly simple, there is a certain tranquility in its depiction of cows grazing. The sketch invites us to consider the relationship between humans and nature, and the socio-economic realities tied to farming and animal husbandry. It reminds us of the deep-rooted connections between identity, land, and labor that have shaped communities for generations.