Meisje bij de koeien 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this etching entitled 'Meisje bij de koeien,' or 'Girl with Cows,' using black ink on paper. Notice the atmospheric quality achieved through Mauve's delicate lines and the way he models light and shadow. The composition is structured around the contrast between the dense, dark forest and the open space where the girl and cows stand. The lines create a sense of depth, drawing you into the scene and the detailed rendering of the figures adds a layer of narrative. The etching captures a quiet, rural moment. The repetitive lines might suggest a connection between the girl's daily life and the cycles of nature. Mauve uses the formal qualities of the etching process to evoke a sense of the everyday, finding beauty in simplicity. Through the strategic use of line and contrast, he creates a piece that invites contemplation on nature and labor.