Cows in Turf Smoke, study 1887

Eero Järnefelt created "Cows in Turf Smoke, study" with oil on canvas, likely en plein air. The visible brushstrokes give immediacy to the scene. The materiality of paint has an inherent viscosity, seen here in the way Järnefelt has manipulated it. The rough textures of the field and smoke are deftly captured with loose dabs and scumbles of paint, giving the impression of atmosphere and movement. This suggests a rapid execution, a desire to record the scene quickly before the light changed. The composition hints at a rural working life, one intimately tied to the landscape. Burning turf was a common practice in agricultural communities for pest control and fertilization. The artist engages with the tradition of landscape painting while also documenting a specific socio-economic reality. Looking closely, we see that it’s as much about the processes of rural life as it is about the cows themselves. By considering how this artwork was made, and the world it represents, we can appreciate the skill and labor involved, bridging the gap between fine art and the everyday.