Koeien tussen de bomen c. 1876 - 1888

This is Anton Mauve’s pencil drawing, "Cows between the Trees," housed at the Rijksmuseum. The eye is immediately drawn to the composition's stark contrasts. Note the dark, linear trees against the lighter, amorphous shapes of the cows. This interplay creates a dynamic tension, a visual push and pull. The sketchiness of the lines suggests a fleeting moment, an impermanence. We can see Mauve’s interest in capturing not just the appearance, but also the essence of the scene. Here we see a pastoral scene, seemingly simple, yet formally complex. Consider how the cows are positioned. They are not merely subjects, but rather structural elements, their forms echoing the verticality of the trees. The drawing uses tonal contrasts and the strategic placement of lines to create a sense of depth and space. It prompts us to reflect on how seemingly disparate elements can converge to create a unified whole.