Landschap met drie koeien bij een sloot 1859 - 1890

Elias Stark made this landscape with three cows by a ditch using etching. The scene, though seemingly simple, reflects the intricate relationship between land, labor, and identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Stark, born in the Netherlands during a time of agricultural change and social stratification, captures an idyllic pastoral moment. The cows, rendered with a quiet dignity, reflect not only the realities of rural life but also the economic dependencies of the time. The detailed rendering of the landscape invites us to consider the environmental impact of agricultural practices and their impact on the working class. The gendered dimensions of agricultural labor also come to mind when viewing this piece. While the image doesn’t explicitly portray human figures, the scene evokes the lives of those, typically women and children, who managed the landscapes. The artwork invites us to reflect on how landscapes shape and reflect societal issues.