Lying Cow c. 1860 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this oil on panel painting, titled "Lying Cow," sometime during his career. Mauve was a leading artist of the Hague School, a group that sought to depict the everyday lives of the Dutch, often in rural settings. While seemingly a straightforward depiction of a farm animal, this painting exists within a cultural context deeply intertwined with human labor and survival. In the 19th century, the agrarian lifestyle was idealized and under threat, embodying notions of simplicity and authenticity. The cow, therefore, becomes more than just livestock; it symbolizes a connection to nature, a slower pace of life, and the traditional roles within the family. Mauve’s choice to paint the cow lying down lends it a quiet dignity. Consider how paintings like this might reflect both a romanticized view and a genuine appreciation for a way of life that was quickly changing due to industrialization.