Weide met liggende koeien en een boer die een koe melkt c. 1876 - 1879

Anton Mauve sketched this pastoral scene of cows and a farmer around the late 19th century. The image of the reclining cow, so peaceful, is a motif that echoes through art history. Think back to ancient Egyptian art, where animals, especially cattle, held a sacred status, often depicted in serene repose as symbols of nourishment and life. These images tap into a deep, collective memory. The reclining posture evokes a sense of contentment, of being nurtured and secure. This primal connection is echoed in Mauve’s sketch, centuries later. Consider how this motif has evolved: from sacred symbol to a more secular, yet still deeply resonant, image of rural tranquility. This scene invites us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the simple, enduring rhythms of life.