Staande koe, van voren gezien c. 1657 - 1761

Marcus de Bye etched this image of a standing cow, seen from the front, in the Netherlands sometime in the 17th century. Though seemingly simple, this image speaks volumes about the economic and social landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. The detailed rendering of the cow, set against a vast landscape, reflects the Dutch Republic's booming agricultural industry and its profound impact on the nation's identity. Cattle were not merely livestock; they were symbols of prosperity and national pride. The print's existence highlights the emerging art market, where even everyday subjects gained value and found their place in bourgeois collections. To fully appreciate this artwork, consider the archival records of Dutch trade, agricultural practices, and the societal values that elevated a simple cow to a subject worthy of artistic representation. This etching is more than just a picture; it's a window into a society undergoing profound economic and cultural transformation.