Een koe en een kalf in een weiland 1817

This print of a cow and calf in a meadow was made by Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar, most likely in the early 19th century. Its lines are etched into a copper plate, then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you'll see that the lines vary in thickness. The artist carefully controlled the depth of the grooves, to hold more or less ink. It's a laborious process, requiring patience and skill. In the details, we can appreciate the careful labour involved. The fine lines create depth and shadow, giving the animals a lifelike quality. But think, too, about the broader context. The print wasn't just a demonstration of skill; it was intended for wider circulation. Prints like this one were relatively affordable, putting art within reach of a growing middle class. They also served to promote an idea of rural harmony, even as industrialization transformed the landscape. So, in the end, this image of peaceful cows connects to powerful forces of social change.