Grazende koe in een weiland 1842

Jan Simon Voddigel made this drawing of a grazing cow in a meadow, likely during the mid-19th century, using graphite on paper. The artist employed hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of volume and depth. Notice the close attention to the musculature and skeletal structure of the cow, rendered with a precise, almost scientific eye. The texture of the paper itself also contributes to the overall effect, providing a subtle grain that enhances the softness of the cow's form. The drawing speaks to the importance of agriculture in the Dutch economy and culture of the time. The cow, a symbol of rural life, embodies the labor and industry that sustained the nation. This seemingly simple sketch offers a glimpse into the relationship between humans and animals, and the social context in which they coexisted. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us that even the most humble materials and subjects can reveal profound insights into our shared history.