Grazende koeien bij een bomengroep 1866 - 1922

This is Willem Cornelis Rip’s sketch of grazing cows among trees, and it evokes a period in the late 19th century when the Netherlands was rapidly industrializing, yet held onto its agrarian roots. Rip, working in this changing landscape, captures a sense of pastoral calm. The sketch provides a glimpse into the cultural values attached to rural life, especially during a time of significant social and economic change. The careful depiction of the animals suggests a gentle appreciation for the natural world and a slower pace of life. This work invites us to reflect on the relationship between humanity and nature. How does this sketch celebrate or critique Dutch identity amidst modernization? How does it invite reflection on our contemporary relationship with nature?