Kop van een koe 1788 - 1814

Jan Kobell II created this drawing of a cow's head sometime around the turn of the 19th century. Kobell was part of a family of artists in the Netherlands known for their animal paintings, drawings, and prints. During the late 1700s and early 1800s, there was a growing interest in naturalism and pastoral life in European art. Artists often depicted animals to evoke feelings about the natural world and rural life. This drawing of a cow reflects a fascination with the animal's individual character. The detailed rendering captures the texture of its fur and the gentle expression in its eye. It makes you wonder about the life of this cow, doesn’t it? Was she a prized animal, carefully bred, or part of a larger herd? The drawing prompts us to consider our relationship with animals and the roles they play in our lives.