Koekop 1813

Diederik Jan Singendonck made this study of a cow’s head, using pencil and watercolour washes. A conventional pairing of materials perhaps, yet look closely. See how Singendonck has used pencil to define the form of the animal. He’s then added layers of watercolor in earth tones, creating subtle tonal gradations. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the image, subtly animating the background. The technique has a social significance. In the 19th century, there was an increasing interest in the rural landscape and agricultural practices. This drawing isn't simply a formal study. It's also a depiction of labor and the economics of farming. Singendonck’s choice of materials and the precision of his technique elevate this subject, inviting us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world and its resources. By focusing on the materials, making and context, we gain a fuller understanding of this seemingly straightforward image.