A reclining cow, seen from behind 1803

Adam von Bartsch created this etching of cows in the 18th century, capturing a pastoral scene. The cow, a symbol of nourishment and fertility, has been a recurring motif throughout art history. Here, one cow stands alert, facing us, while the other reclines, at ease, with its back turned. This dichotomy of watchfulness and rest echoes in various artistic traditions, where animals embody complex human traits. Think of the protective guard dogs in ancient Roman frescoes versus the serene, grazing sheep in medieval tapestries. The reclining pose, seemingly simple, carries its own weight. In classical sculpture, reclining figures often represent rivers or deities, embodying a sense of timelessness. Bartsch's choice to depict the cow this way evokes a similar feeling of peace, linking the animal to this long tradition of representing rest and abundance in art. It is as if the primal memory of agrarian life surfaces, resonating with a collective yearning for nature's gentle rhythms.