Twee koeien van achteren gezien 1650

Paulus Potter made this print, "Two Cows Seen From Behind," using etching techniques, which was a common method for creating multiple images in the 17th century. Potter was renowned for his pastoral scenes, particularly his depictions of animals in the Dutch countryside. During the Dutch Golden Age, there was a growing interest in the natural world and rural life. Potter’s decision to portray cows, animals central to the Dutch economy and diet, reflects the values and identities of the time. The scale and detail given to these animals challenge traditional hierarchies of painting. This emphasis suggests a cultural value placed on the land and its yield. It moves away from history or portrait painting, instead celebrating the everyday and the local. The positioning of the cows, viewed from behind, offers an unusual and intimate perspective. Potter invites you to consider the animals not just as objects of labor but as creatures with a presence and significance of their own.