Standing cow to the right 

Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt made this drawing of a cow using pen and brown ink on paper. The choice of simple materials, like paper and ink, serves to highlight the cow's presence, its weight and form. Hirt's economical use of line, shadow and wash showcases his mastery of the medium, but it also speaks to a certain economy of labor. The image captures a moment in the production process. The cow, rendered with swift yet deliberate strokes, becomes a symbol of the rural economy and labor that sustains it. In this light, the drawing transcends mere representation, offering insight into the social and material conditions of its making. By appreciating the skill of the artist, the quality of materials, and the social context in which it was made, we gain a far richer understanding of the artwork.