Studies van een koe 1880 - 1882

Editor: This is "Studies van een koe," or "Studies of a Cow," created by George Hendrik Breitner between 1880 and 1882. It’s a pencil drawing currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It's so understated, almost a glimpse into an artist’s sketchbook, with these quickly rendered studies of cows. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see Breitner engaging with the visual language of Realism, but filtered through the lens of his own artistic priorities. These studies are inherently connected to the rise of urban life in the Netherlands. Cows become subjects not for their agricultural significance, but as figures viewed by an urban intellectual grappling with rapid modernization. It reflects a fascination with capturing a rapidly disappearing world, a romanticized rural existence, don’t you think? Editor: That's a really interesting point. It does seem like there's a longing for a simpler life being expressed here. Were sketches like this typically exhibited back then, or was it more for the artist's personal use? Curator: Generally, sketches like these held different public roles compared to finished paintings. Drawings were crucial for artists and served pedagogical purposes or studio work, but often not considered suitable for high art exhibitions. So, presenting studies was more a demonstration of his own artistry rather than exhibiting a finalized narrative. The choice of subject is connected to socio-political considerations such as increased urbanisation that were shaping art creation. Editor: It’s fascinating how much context shapes what we consider art! I guess I've always seen sketches as preliminary works rather than things worthy of display on their own. Curator: Exactly, and recognizing how institutional practices and cultural values evolve helps us broaden our appreciation of art across periods and media. I learned to look at the artist as someone imbedded in his time. Editor: I totally agree. Considering the changing status of art throughout time gives me new insights on an artists motivations, such as to portray urbanisation.