Kop van koe met grasspriet in bek after 1793

This is Frederik Christiaan Bierweiler’s “Head of a cow with a blade of grass in its mouth,” made in the early 19th century using etching. Etching is an intaglio printmaking technique in which a metal plate is covered with a waxy ground. The artist scratches an image into this ground, exposing the metal. The plate is then dipped in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating a print. The close-up and the monochrome palette emphasize the texture of the cow's fur. The etching technique allows for fine lines and subtle shading, capturing the details of the animal's features and the strand of grass in its mouth. While a seemingly simple portrait, it reflects a move away from idealizing nature, and toward a more realistic depiction of agricultural life. It elevates the everyday into the realm of art. By appreciating the skill and labor involved in etching, we recognize the value of both craft and subject.