Staande koe, van achteren 1788 - 1839

Hendrik Voogd's "Standing Cow, from Behind" is rendered in graphite on paper. It's a simple medium, yet perfectly suited to capturing the subtle nuances of form. Notice how the graphite is applied, with varying pressure to suggest the play of light and shadow across the cow's muscular frame. This is not just a depiction of an animal, but an exercise in close looking, in understanding the animal's volume and weight. The use of graphite allows for delicate, almost ephemeral lines, creating a sense of depth and texture. In Voogd's time, during the rise of agricultural capitalism, cows were becoming more and more important as a source of labor and food. The artist has clearly spent a considerable amount of time observing this animal. By elevating the everyday to the level of art, Voogd challenges us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of labor, and to appreciate the beauty that can be found in the most commonplace of subjects.