Staande koe, naar rechts 1816

Jean Bernard made this drawing of a cow, around 1816, with graphite on paper. The linear quality of the graphite is ideal for this study, which is all about careful observation. Notice the precision with which Bernard has captured the animal’s musculature, the texture of its coat, the subtle variations in tone. The choice of graphite as a medium underscores the economic realities of art production at the time, especially in the representation of labor. This was a period of agrarian transformation, with livestock playing an increasingly central role in the Dutch economy. Bernard’s drawing reflects the era’s growing awareness of the relationship between humans, animals, and the land. Ultimately, the cow, rendered with such unassuming skill, invites us to consider the cultural and economic forces that shaped its existence. It’s a reminder that even the simplest of drawings can reveal complex narratives about labor, land, and life.