Staande koe 1775

Jabes Heenck created this etching of a standing cow in 1775. The composition immediately draws us to the cow’s formidable rear, presenting a stark contrast to the gentle pastoral scenes often associated with the Dutch countryside. Heenck’s use of line is particularly striking; short, dense strokes define the animal’s form, creating a textured surface that almost feels tactile. This technique is a far cry from idealized depictions of livestock, offering a more grounded and perhaps even confrontational image. The cow is positioned against a minimally detailed landscape, emphasizing its imposing presence and mass. This starkness directs our attention to the materiality of the etching itself—the way ink meets paper. The subject is not merely a cow but an exploration of form and texture, and through it, Heenck seems to question traditional artistic values. We are left to consider how such an ordinary subject can destabilize established artistic norms.