Staande koe, naar rechts 1848 - 1888

This is Anton Mauve’s sketch "Standing Cow, facing right," made with pen in grey on light brown paper. Mauve, a leading artist of the Hague School, lived during a time of immense social change. As industrialization progressed, there was a growing interest in rural life and the agrarian landscape, which became a potent symbol of national identity. Mauve masterfully captures the essence of the cow, with the animal rendered in delicate, economic lines. The cow, a symbol deeply entwined with notions of rural life, raises questions about our relationship with animals and the labor they provide. The drawing evokes a sense of quiet contemplation, as it invites us to reflect on the simple, unadorned beauty of the natural world and consider the value and dignity of laboring life. In Mauve’s sketch, the cow is not merely an animal, but also a symbol that reflects the complex relationship between humanity, labor, and nature.