Artwork
Cow
Cow is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Anton Mauve. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The subject aligns with the Dutch tradition of animal portraiture, where cattle often symbolized prosperity, industriousness, and the natural order.
The painting depicts a single cow in a pastoral setting, positioned against a background of grass and open pasture. Mauve emphasizes the animal’s quiet presence within a rural environment, capturing it while grazing. The composition underscores the harmonious relationship between livestock and the countryside, reflecting the quietude and simplicity of agricultural life in the late 19th century.
The subject aligns with the Dutch tradition of animal portraiture, where cattle often symbolized prosperity, industriousness, and the natural order. By focusing on a single cow in a calm, expansive landscape, the work evokes themes of rural stability and the timeless rhythms of farming.
Technique & Style
Created in 1874, Cow by Anton Mauve is executed in oil paint on a panel support. The work measures 27 cm in height and 41 cm in width, presenting a compact format typical of the artist's studies. Stylistically, the painting belongs to the animal art genre, depicting a Prim'Holstein cow grazing in a rural pasture setting.
The composition includes specific natural elements such as grass, emphasizing the pastoral environment. The handling of the medium captures the rural scene with a focus on the animal within its landscape.
History & Provenance
The work titled Cow was painted in 1874 by Dutch artist Anton Mauve using oil on panel. Contemporary records indicate the painting measures 27 cm by 41 cm and depicts a grazing herd in a rural landscape. Following its creation, the piece entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on public display.
The museum’s catalogue lists the work as part of its holdings, confirming its provenance from the artist’s studio to the institution’s custody. No earlier owners are documented in the available sources.
Overview
Anton Mauve, a prominent Dutch realist and a leading member of the Hague School, painted Cow in 1874. This oil painting exemplifies his recurring interest in rural subjects and the natural world. It features a solitary cow situated within a grassy landscape, reflecting Mauve's dedication to portraying the unadorned aspects of agricultural life and the serene beauty of the Dutch countryside.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Anthonij "Anton" Rudolf Mauve (Dutch pronunciation:; 18 September 1838 – 5 February 1888) was a Dutch realist painter who was a leading member of the Hague School.
