Twee koeien bij een boom 1788 - 1814

Jan Kobell II made this drawing, "Two Cows by a Tree", using pen in brown and brush in gray. Born in Rotterdam in 1778, Kobell belonged to a family of animal painters, and his work reflects the pastoral interests of the Dutch Golden Age. Yet, viewed through a contemporary lens, there's a tension in this seemingly peaceful scene. The subdued palette and relaxed poses of the cows evoke a sense of calm, but also hint at the economic and social structures of the time. These animals, central to rural life, were also commodities, their existence intertwined with human labor and ownership. Kobell's choice to depict them with such quiet dignity invites us to consider their role beyond mere utility. The drawing becomes a meditation on the relationship between humans and animals. It prompts reflection on how we assign value and meaning to the living beings around us. How do we see ourselves in relation to the natural world?