Staande en liggende koe 1766 - 1830

This delicate etching of two cows was made by Dirk van Oosterhoudt, a Dutch artist active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Cows in art have long been symbols of nourishment, fertility, and pastoral life, deeply rooted in our collective unconscious. Consider the ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor, often depicted as a cow or with bovine features, embodying motherhood and abundance. This motif resurfaces throughout history, from classical mythology to the bucolic scenes of the Renaissance. Here, the standing cow, alert and present, embodies vigilance and care, while its reclining companion suggests rest and contentment. This duality mirrors our own lives—the balance between action and repose, a recurring theme across cultures. The image gently stirs something deep within us: a reminder of simpler times and the enduring power of nature.