Koeien bij het water 1860

Willem Maris made this work on paper, depicting cows by the water, sometime in the late nineteenth century. Cows were a popular subject in Dutch art, a reminder of the nation's agricultural wealth. But, we might ask, what kind of wealth is being celebrated here? Looking closely, we can see that the scene is not one of idyllic plenty. The composition is muted, its tones are soft and subdued. The cows themselves seem thin and tired. This was a period of great social change in the Netherlands, as industrialization drew people away from rural life. Maris' painting may be seen as a commentary on this shift, a lament for a way of life that was disappearing. To better understand this work, we can consult historical documents, such as census records, economic surveys, and the writings of social critics. By placing this image in its social and institutional context, we can better appreciate its meaning and relevance today.