Two Cows on a Hill 1648

Paulus Potter’s “Two Cows on a Hill” is a painting executed in oil on panel. Potter has deployed the traditional materials of his era to create a scene of bovine relaxation, but it is also a glimpse into the economy of 17th century Holland. Look closely and you can see how the paint has been built up in layers. Potter no doubt started with thin washes to establish the composition, then gradually added detail, thickening the consistency to capture the texture of the animals' coats. The muted palette – browns, grays, and creams – reflects not only the colors of the Dutch landscape, but the realities of animal husbandry and agriculture, then vital to the Dutch Republic’s economy. These cows, rendered with such care, were literally the engine of the Dutch Golden Age, their milk and meat fueling the prosperity seen in this period. Paintings such as this remind us that artistic choices, even seemingly simple ones, can reflect the complex interplay of culture, economy, and environment.