Studies van koeien 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made these Studies van Koeien with graphite on paper. Rather than focusing on a polished, finished drawing, Israëls captures the essence of cows in a field through quick, light marks. The material itself, graphite, lends a sense of immediacy and accessibility. It’s a humble medium, contrasting with the grand oil paintings also being made at the time. The marks are simple and raw, showing the artist’s direct engagement with the subject. You can almost feel the artist’s hand moving across the paper, capturing the subtle shifts in posture and form. The drawing embodies the tradition of sketching, where the act of observing and recording is as important as the final product. The artist’s labor becomes visible, a testament to the value of close observation, celebrating everyday life and the beauty found in the mundane. This democratizes art, making it about process and engagement rather than just high-flown ideals.