Staande koe, naar links Possibly 1828

Jean Bernard made this drawing titled 'Standing Cow, facing left' with pen in gray ink on paper. The drawing presents a study in form and line. Bernard employs an economy of strokes to delineate the cow's figure, focusing on its essential structure rather than intricate detail. The lines are delicate yet purposeful, capturing the animal's weight and stance. There is a tension between the realism of the cow's depiction and the abstraction of the lines used to create it. This piece invites us to think about representation itself. It challenges us to consider how much information is needed to convey an image. It reduces the cow to its most basic visual components, making it almost an abstract form. Ultimately, this drawing is a study of how we perceive and categorize the world through visual signs. The essence of the cow is present, demonstrating how a few well-placed lines can evoke a complex understanding.