Liggende koe, van achteren gezien c. 1815

Jean Bernard made this drawing of a cow from behind using pen and gray ink. It is now located at the Rijksmuseum. Depictions of livestock in the Dutch Republic were not merely about representing animals; they reflected the nation’s economic and cultural pride, particularly during the Dutch Golden Age, when agriculture and trade flourished. In a society where land was reclaimed from the sea and agriculture was a cornerstone of prosperity, even a simple drawing like this one could symbolize national identity and wealth. To fully appreciate this image, we would need to consider the agricultural practices, economic policies, and cultural values of the time. Exploring these elements could reveal layers of meaning beyond the image of the cow itself. Remember, art history is not just about the art, but also about the world around it.