Roodbonte koe in een landschap 1783

Jacob Cats made this watercolor of a red-and-white cow in a landscape sometime in the late 18th century. At the time, the Dutch Republic was a wealthy and powerful nation, but it was also facing increasing competition from other European powers. Landscapes featuring animals were popular in the Netherlands, reflecting the country’s economic dependence on agriculture. In this picture, the artist seems to be reflecting on the idealized beauty of the Dutch countryside. By painting the scene in careful detail, he elevates it to something worthy of contemplation and appreciation. Cows were a source of national pride, a symbol of prosperity and national identity. The Dutch Republic was home to a thriving art market and institutions such as the Rijksmuseum played a vital role in shaping artistic taste and promoting certain values. Historians can research how the art market changed, and what kinds of paintings were considered most valuable. This picture reminds us that art does not exist in a vacuum, it’s always part of a specific time and place.