Studie van een koe 1848 - 1865

This is Gerard Bilders' pencil drawing of a cow. The figure of the cow, in its humble stance, transcends mere pastoral imagery; it echoes ancient symbols of nourishment, fertility, and strength. We see the bovine form reappear throughout history, such as in ancient Egyptian depictions of Hathor, the nurturing cow-goddess, or in the myth of Europa and the bull. This drawing, however, presents a stark contrast. The cow is depicted as a solitary, somewhat forlorn figure, stripped of any divine or symbolic grandeur. The drawing invokes a sense of melancholic introspection, a sentiment that mirrors the increasing alienation from nature experienced during the Industrial Revolution. The collective memory embedded within the bovine symbol, once a potent source of life and prosperity, now carries with it a hint of nostalgia. This reflects humanity's complex relationship with its past and the natural world. The enduring power of these symbols lies in their ability to evoke emotions and stir collective memories.