Staande en rustende koe, en profil 1657

Marcus de Bye created this print of two cows, likely in the mid-17th century. The Dutch Golden Age saw the rise of genre painting, often depicting scenes of daily life. These cows, rendered with such delicate detail, offer us insight into the agricultural and economic landscape of the Netherlands at the time. There’s a certain realism here; they aren't idealized, but rather, reflect the everyday labor and sustenance tied to agrarian life. Consider the role of women in this context; while men typically managed larger agricultural operations, women were often responsible for the care and milking of cows, as well as the production of butter and cheese. This print serves not just as an idyllic pastoral scene, but as a quiet testament to the labor that sustained a nation. It reminds us to look closely at the quiet, often overlooked corners of history, and to recognize the value of labor and sustenance.