Herding Cows c. 18th century

Curator: This is Samuel Howitt's "Herding Cows," an etching that captures a tranquil, pastoral scene. Editor: It's evocative! The image has a certain understated power, the dark lines rendering an almost dreamlike state. Curator: Howitt was known for his animal depictions. Consider the social context: the rise of landscape art, alongside England's agricultural revolution. Editor: And the symbolism! The cows, representing fertility and abundance, being guided through a somewhat wild landscape speaks to humanity's relationship with nature. Curator: Precisely, and the print medium made such imagery accessible to a wider audience, shaping perceptions of rural life. Editor: The line work is fascinating as well; see how it almost dances on the page, giving the scene a vital energy. Curator: It is a compelling snapshot of a time undergoing rapid change. Editor: Yes, it reminds us of the enduring resonance of simple, agrarian imagery.