Koeienkop A 1792 - 1810

Editor: So, here we have Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk’s "Koeienkop A," a pencil drawing done sometime between 1792 and 1810. It's a very direct portrait, almost scientific, but the soft pencil work gives it a gentle, approachable feel. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: The pencil work itself is crucial here. Think about the access to materials at the time. Paper, pencils – who could afford them, and for what purpose? Was this a study for something grander, destined for the market? Or was the creation of this drawing the actual work of art? The labor and its inherent value must be interrogated. Editor: That's interesting. I hadn’t considered the material's value so directly. I assumed it was preparatory work. Curator: And preparatory for what? To me, this image stands alone as a representation of land and labour. Look at the precise lines depicting the animal's musculature, indicating agricultural value. Even the 'unfinished' quality suggests the relentless, ongoing cycle of production. What statement might this artist be making, by showcasing agricultural subjects in such a close study? Editor: Maybe it's elevating the animal, connecting it to human labour in a respectful way? It does make you think about where the food comes from, doesn’t it? Curator: Precisely! And what happens to the raw material – this cow? To be consumed? Or is it just here in this moment? The medium itself forces us to consider these hard questions about commodification, about sustenance. Editor: I’ve definitely gained a new appreciation for the drawing’s depth, especially the choice of pencil as a deliberate element. Curator: Excellent! Considering the materials forces us to examine not just what we see, but also what is involved in the entire lifecycle of things.