Six Cows Grazing c. 18th century

Curator: This is Samuel Howitt's "Six Cows Grazing." There's no specific date recorded for it, but Howitt was active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Editor: The sky dominates the composition; I am drawn to the almost angelic quality of the animals beneath. Curator: It's fascinating to consider the role of animal husbandry in shaping the landscape and economy of the time. Howitt, with his background in sporting art, also highlights the human intervention in breeding these animals. Editor: Right, and the cows themselves evoke a sense of classical prosperity. The image taps into ancient pastoral ideals of peacefulness, as well as ideas about the inherent value of livestock. Curator: I see the work as a comment on agricultural practices in a rapidly changing world. Howitt’s meticulous rendering of each animal points to the labor involved in food production. Editor: I agree there is something timeless in its symbolism. Overall, the scene speaks to the enduring human fascination with animals, portraying them as both mundane and symbolically rich.