Koeien in de wei 1932

Leo Gestel created "Koeien in de wei," or "Cows in the Meadow," using pen and India ink in 1932. Gestel, a Dutch artist, lived through both World Wars, and was a member of several artist groups. His work moved from impressionism through various modern styles including cubism and expressionism. Here, we see a scene that can be interpreted as either a traditional pastoral landscape or a reflection on the societal and cultural shifts of the time. The cows, rendered with quick, sparse strokes, might evoke the traditional image of rural life, yet the starkness of the ink hints at a deeper, perhaps troubled, narrative. Cows represent the exploitation of the female body, but at the same time the means of sustenance. Is this a commentary on labor, nature, or the changing roles within society? The emotional depth comes not just from what is shown, but what remains unsaid, inviting us to reflect on our relationship to both the land and its inhabitants.