Twee koeien 1800 - 1943

'Twee koeien' – or 'Two Cows' – is a print of unknown date by the monogrammist JB, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the image presents a bucolic scene: two cows, one drinking peacefully from a stream, the other standing guard. But consider the historical context of the print. The Dutch Golden Age, a period of unprecedented economic and cultural growth, was also underpinned by colonial exploitation and the commodification of nature. This image invites us to reflect on the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. Were these cows seen merely as property? How did the rise of capitalism impact our relationship with the natural world? The seemingly innocent portrayal prompts uncomfortable questions about value and exploitation. As we gaze upon this image, can we acknowledge the complex web of power, nature, and representation?