Koe 1819 - 1902

Barend Johannes Bouwmeester made this print, "Koe," using etching. Bouwmeester lived through the 19th century, an era marked by significant shifts in agricultural practices and an increased focus on animal husbandry. The image of the cow, a symbol deeply entwined with rural life and sustenance, offers a window into the period's complex relationship with nature and labor. Consider the cow's body in this work; it represents nourishment and life. Bouwmeester's choice to depict this animal may reflect prevailing attitudes towards nature. He invites us to consider the cow's place not just in the physical landscape, but also in the cultural and economic landscape of the time. This work quietly challenges us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the animals that sustain us.