Cutting Fodder 1938

"Cutting Fodder," an etching by John E. Costigan (1888-1972), is a powerful and poignant depiction of rural life. The image portrays a woman, her child, and a herd of goats in a field, suggesting a simple life of hard work and reliance on nature. Costigan's use of dark and light values creates a dramatic effect, highlighting the figures and the animals against a distant, hazy horizon. The scene, captured in 1938, speaks to the artist's interest in capturing the daily struggles and quiet beauty of everyday life.