Versierde koe 1805 - 1847

Anna Kobell made this etching called 'Versierde Koe' or Decorated Cow sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It shows a garlanded cow being paraded for the admiration of a well-to-do family. This image gives a glimpse into the agricultural and economic landscape of the Netherlands at the time. During the 1800s, the Dutch economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly dairy farming. The cow here probably represents a prize-winning animal whose success would have had a significant impact on the family’s prosperity. It appears as if it's market day and the animal is being appraised. The image also reflects the importance of livestock within Dutch culture. The tradition of decorating cows might have symbolized pride in agricultural heritage and the celebration of rural life. By researching the economic conditions and agricultural practices of 19th-century Netherlands, we can better understand the social and cultural context of this artwork. Only then can we consider its meaning as more than just a picture of a cow.