Three Cows c. 19th century

Editor: This is Joseph Fussell's "Three Cows," an etching, and it’s interesting how this simple pastoral scene, with delicate lines and shading, also includes surprisingly formidable horns on the cows. What’s your take on this image? Curator: Well, consider the broader context. Rural scenes, particularly those featuring livestock, often served to legitimize land ownership and agrarian ideals during the 18th and 19th centuries. How does Fussell's depiction of these cows perhaps reinforce or challenge prevailing notions of rural life? Editor: I never thought about it in terms of legitimizing land ownership. I was too caught up in the pretty landscape. Curator: Exactly. The image, while seemingly simple, participates in complex socio-political narratives about land, labor, and the role of animals in society. It makes you wonder about the intended audience and the message they were meant to receive. Editor: That’s a great perspective! I’ll definitely look at these kinds of images with new eyes now. Curator: And I've been reminded that sometimes the most profound statements are delivered subtly.