Kop van een liggende koe 1808 - 1881

Editor: This is Eugène Verboeckhoven's "Head of a Lying Cow," created sometime between 1808 and 1881, a pencil drawing on paper residing here at the Rijksmuseum. I'm immediately struck by its gentle realism. What's your take on this sketch? Curator: Oh, she’s a beauty, isn't she? This unassuming portrait encapsulates so much about 19th-century animal painting. I think there's a sincerity here, a real observation. Verboeckhoven clearly took the time to truly see this creature, its stillness, its bovine dignity, really. Editor: Dignity, yes! It avoids sentimentality, somehow. Do you think there's a reason why it feels so...genuine? Curator: Perhaps it's that focus on naturalism, a departure from earlier, more idealized depictions of animals. And it feels immediate, doesn’t it? A captured moment. Think about it: the rapid urbanization during this period meant that for many city dwellers, livestock became increasingly distant, almost romanticized. But drawings like this offer a glimpse into a very real, agricultural world. What feelings arise for you when you view the image? Editor: I find it strangely comforting, you know? It's like looking at a family pet. Makes me reflect on our dependence on them. I guess it highlights the artist’s capacity to appreciate a "lowly" subject. Curator: Exactly! It speaks to a larger societal shift towards valuing the everyday. A wonderful piece, showing great mastery in a simple sketch! Editor: I've learned a great deal. Thanks, your insight really enriches the experience.