Drinkende stier 1788 - 1814

Jan Kobell created this etching, titled 'Drinkende stier', or 'Drinking Bull' in the late 18th or early 19th century. Kobell, who came from a family of artists, was working during a time of significant agricultural change and a growing interest in the natural world. This piece reflects the romanticization of rural life. Instead of presenting an idealized or glorified version of nature, Kobell gives us a seemingly unvarnished look at a bull. There’s a certain vulnerability in the animal's posture as it drinks. It’s a moment of pause and vulnerability. It's interesting to consider how Kobell’s choice to depict this commonplace scene speaks to the shifting cultural values of his time. Far from being a simple pastoral scene, Kobell invites us to consider the complex relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. It evokes a sense of humility and a connection to the natural world.