Landskab med liggende og stående køer 1904

Theodor Philipsen made this small drawing of cows in a landscape with pen and ink, but we don’t know exactly when. Philipsen was a Danish painter who was deeply engaged with the rural landscapes of his home country. In the late 19th century, the Danish art world was increasingly interested in Realism. Artists sought to depict everyday life and ordinary subjects. Rural life and agricultural scenes were especially popular because they spoke to a growing interest in national identity and pride in the Danish countryside. This drawing shows the influence of this Realist movement. Philipsen's loose and rapid sketch captures a fleeting moment in the life of these cows. For art historians, such sketches offer a special glimpse into the artist’s process and a particular cultural interest in representing the natural world. By researching exhibition records, artists’ correspondence, and even agricultural reports, we can better understand the social context in which art like this was produced and consumed.