Studies of a Cow 1884 - 1888

Paul Gauguin made this study of a cow using graphite on paper. Though seemingly simple, this drawing prompts us to consider the labor and processes embedded in the production of art and agriculture. The very act of drawing, of capturing the essence of a subject with minimal means, speaks to a deep engagement with the world. In this study, Gauguin uses line to delineate form, capturing the weight and presence of the animal with remarkable efficiency. This contrasts with the labor involved in raising and tending to cattle. From tilling the soil to feeding and caring for the animals, agricultural work is physically demanding. By placing the study within the context of rural labor and the economics of food production, we can begin to appreciate its deeper social and cultural significance. While appearing like a preliminary sketch, this drawing also celebrates the dignity of manual labor, and acknowledges the interconnectedness of art, agriculture, and society.