Rode vaars before 1650

Antonio Tempesta created this engraving titled "Rode vaars" sometime between 1555 and 1630. In it, the artist depicts a standing red cow, set against a minimal landscape. During the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, there was a growing interest in naturalism and the scientific study of animals. Artists like Tempesta, who had ties to the Medici court, responded to this interest by producing detailed depictions of various animal species. Here, Tempesta not only captures the physical attributes of the cow, but the animal's gentle gaze evokes a sense of empathy. While the cow is presented as an object of study, it is also a symbol of fertility, abundance, and pastoral life, reflecting the cultural values of the time. The use of engraving allows for a wide distribution of the image, making knowledge accessible. The image of the "red cow" invites us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. It serves as a reminder of the cultural and historical forces that shape our understanding of animals and the environment.