Landschap met rund 1818 - 1842

Jean Louis Demarne's "Landschap met rund" is rendered in pen and grey ink, showcasing a pastoral scene. The materiality of ink on paper lends itself to the creation of texture through fine lines and shading. Demarne's technique captures the soft musculature of the cow and the rustic charm of the landscape. The process of drawing, with its directness and immediacy, gives the artwork a sense of intimacy. The marks left by the pen reveal the artist's hand, connecting us to the labor involved in its making. In this period, images of livestock and landscapes were increasingly tied to notions of agricultural productivity. The artist’s careful rendering elevates the cow beyond mere livestock, inviting viewers to appreciate it and, by extension, the rural economy it represents. Understanding the materials and context reveals the cultural significance embedded within.