Koeien bij wilgen 1876 - 1910

Alphonse Stengelin created "Koeien bij wilgen", Cows by the Willows, using etching, a process that dates back to the Middle Ages and became particularly popular in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age. Stengelin, of Swiss-German heritage, worked during a period of profound change in Europe, marked by industrialization and urbanization. His rural scenes, like this one, evoke a longing for a simpler, pastoral life. The cows, central to the agrarian economy, are presented here in a state of serene leisure, a direct contrast to the increasingly demanding pace of modern life. The choice of etching lends a delicate, almost nostalgic quality to the work. The gentle lines and soft tones highlight the peaceful coexistence of the animals and their natural environment. It invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature.