Vier studies van de kop van een koe en een liggende koe 1821

This 1821 pencil drawing by Jean Bernard, a Dutch artist known for his animal studies, features five detailed sketches of cows. Four are studies of the head, presented from different angles, demonstrating Bernard's keen observation of animal anatomy. The fifth depicts a cow lying down, subtly rendered with a focus on the texture of its fur and the surrounding grass. These quick studies, likely made from life, highlight Bernard's skill in capturing the essence of his subjects with minimal detail. This work, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the artist's process of capturing animal form and movement.