Twee koeien bij een hooibaal 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this drawing of two cows next to a haystack using graphite. Mauve's work can be situated within the late 19th century Dutch art scene. It was a time when artists increasingly looked to the rural landscape as a source of national identity. The sketch presents a seemingly simple scene, yet it's loaded with cultural associations. In the Netherlands, the image of cows in a pasture is deeply connected to ideas of pastoral tranquility and national prosperity. Mauve’s choice to depict this scene, therefore, speaks to a larger cultural interest in defining Dutch identity through its connection to the land. To fully appreciate Mauve's work, we can consult agricultural records, art market data, and exhibition reviews from the period. These can provide insight into how his art reflected and shaped the social values of his time. Ultimately, it is through understanding the social and institutional contexts that we can grasp the full significance of a seemingly simple drawing like this.