Long Shadows. Cattle on the Island of Saltholm 1890

Theodor Philipsen captured this pastoral scene with oil on canvas. It’s a fairly conventional artistic medium, yet Philipsen’s handling of it speaks to a world in transition. The scene is defined by the brisk, confident brushstrokes used to depict the cattle and the landscape, and the long shadows cast by the herd. Philipsen likely worked ‘en plein air’, rapidly capturing the scene before him. The painting emphasizes the inherent qualities of oil paint: its viscosity, its capacity for blending, and its ability to capture light and atmosphere. While at first glance this appears a straightforward scene of rural life, it’s interesting to think about the social context. This painting can be considered within the context of agricultural labor and the economics of cattle farming. The painting acknowledges the labor involved in animal husbandry, and suggests the commodification of the animals. The focus on the material conditions of their existence, making this far more than just a pretty picture.