Stal met twee koeien 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard created this drawing of a cowshed with two cows sometime before his death in 1833. It offers a glimpse into the agrarian life and rural culture of the Netherlands during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The detailed rendering of the barn interior, complete with wooden clogs, straw, and simple tools, evokes the rhythms of daily life for the working class. This was a period marked by significant social and economic changes, including the decline of feudalism and the rise of capitalism, which profoundly affected the lives of rural communities. The cows, central to the composition, symbolize both sustenance and labor. This depiction prompts reflection on the relationship between humans, animals, and the land. Bernard’s artwork is not just a portrayal of a barn, but also an exploration of the intimate connections between identity, labor, and the natural world.