Weiland met twee liggende koeien 1641

Reinier van Persijn created this etching, "Weiland met twee liggende koeien," or "Pasture with two lying cows," in the Netherlands during the 17th century. This seemingly simple image provides a fascinating glimpse into the social and economic values of the Dutch Golden Age. The prominence of the cows, rendered with careful detail, speaks to the importance of agriculture and animal husbandry in Dutch society. We can see the tools of agriculture in the foreground, as well as farm buildings in the background. This was a time when the Netherlands was a major economic power, and much of its wealth was derived from trade in agricultural products. Such images contributed to a sense of national pride. Art historians can look to period documents, such as agricultural surveys and trade records, to gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions that shaped this artwork. By examining the art of this time, we gain insight into the values and priorities of Dutch society.