Standing cow to the left 

Johann Heinrich Roos created this drawing of a standing cow, likely in the mid-17th century, using graphite on paper. The material itself, graphite, allows for soft gradations and delicate lines, giving the cow a gentle presence. Roos captures the animal's solid form through careful shading, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone that define its musculature. Consider that in this period, the raising of livestock was a major economic driver. The cow’s placid stance belies its central importance to the agrarian economy. The choice of graphite, a relatively accessible material, speaks to the artist's interest in direct observation and capturing the everyday realities of rural life. Roos elevates this simple subject through his skilled handling of the medium, reminding us that even the most ordinary subjects can be worthy of artistic attention. By focusing on the labor involved in animal husbandry, Roos blurs the lines between the practical and the artistic, inviting us to appreciate the inherent beauty and significance of the working world.