Landschap met een groep koeien onder een boom c. 1885 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created "Landscape with a Group of Cows Under a Tree" with watercolor. Israëls was deeply affected by the plight of the poor and working class, themes which he often explored in his art. This painting is a departure from those themes as it is not overtly political. Yet, it reflects a broader cultural interest in rural life. During the 19th century, as industrialization rapidly changed the landscape, there was a growing sense of nostalgia for the countryside. Israëls’ loose brushstrokes and muted tones evoke a sense of quiet contemplation. He masterfully captures the tranquil interaction between the cows and their environment. This interaction offers us a moment to consider our relationship with nature. Through this unassuming scene, Israëls invites us to reflect on the shifting values of a society in transition, and the enduring human need for connection with the natural world.