Koeien aan de waterkant aan het eind van de winter 1882

Jules Guiette created this black and white print, titled "Cows on the waterfront at the end of winter," sometime in the late 19th century. Guiette, who was born in Antwerp, Belgium, was part of a generation of artists exploring rural landscapes. As Belgium underwent rapid industrialization, there was a nostalgic turn towards images of pastoral life, which often reinforced a sentimental view of country life. Notice how Guiette's choice to depict the end of winter amplifies a sense of transition. It speaks to the cyclical nature of agricultural life and the reliance of communities on the land, echoing a deeper connection to the natural world. The cows, rendered in quiet detail, seem to embody a sense of patient resilience. While seemingly simple, "Cows on the waterfront at the end of winter," reflects the societal and economic shifts of its time, inviting us to consider the relationship between nature, labor, and identity.