Boer tussen twee koeien bij een ruif in een stal (grote variant) 1860 - 1885

This black and white etching, "Boer tussen twee koeien bij een ruif in een stal (grote variant)," depicts a farmer standing between two cows in a stable. Created by the Dutch artist Jan Vrolijk (1846-1894) between 1860 and 1885, the work highlights the artist's skill in capturing the details of rural life. Vrolijk's use of light and shadow, particularly within the dimly lit stable, creates a sense of depth and realism. The etching's composition, with the farmer positioned between the two cows, emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and animal labor. This piece, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, exemplifies Vrolijk's focus on portraying the everyday lives of Dutch peasants, a common theme in his artistic repertoire.