Koeienkop 1795 - 1813

Joannes Pieter Visser Bender created this head study of a cow. He rendered it in delicate lines of etching in the early 19th century. The composition is simple: it presents the animal's head in a frontal view, filling the frame to create a sense of intimacy with the subject. Bender's use of etching captures the texture of the cow's fur and the subtle gradations of light and shadow. This technique adds depth and dimension to the image, making the animal almost tangible. The sharp focus on the cow's eyes is particularly striking, which seems to meet the viewer's gaze. The simplicity of the composition and the detail in execution elevates the animal to a subject of contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the inherent beauty and dignity of this creature. It is a study of form and texture, of light and shadow, that transforms a simple subject into a compelling work of art.