Artwork
Two Cows in an Open Field
Two Cows in an Open Field is an oil painting by Johan Lundbye. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1845, Two Cows in an Open Field is an oil painting by Danish artist Johan Thomas Lundbye. The composition presents a quiet pastoral scene in which two domesticated cows occupy a grassy plain beneath an expansive sky. The work is part of the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery, Statens Museum for Kunst.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas depicts a pair of cows set against a verdant field dotted with low shrubs. The animal on the left turns its back to the viewer, while the one on the right reclines and looks outward, establishing a dialogue between the figures and the observer. The tranquil setting reflects a reverence for rural life and the simplicity of the Danish countryside.
Technique & Style
Lundbye employs oil paint to render the scene with subtle, yet saturated tones. The brushwork conveys the softness of the cows’ coats and the texture of the grass, while the sky is rendered in a clear blue with billowing white clouds. The muted palette and careful modeling align with the national romantic aesthetic that favored naturalistic yet idealized landscapes.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the holdings of Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark’s principal state museum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s commitment to preserving works that illustrate the development of 19th‑century Danish art and the national romantic movement to which Lundbye belonged.
Context
Lundbye (1818‑1856) was a leading figure in Denmark’s national romantic movement, which sought to celebrate the nation’s agrarian heritage through art. His oeuvre frequently featured animals and open landscapes, emphasizing the connection between people, livestock, and the land. Two Cows in an Open Field exemplifies this focus, offering a visual record of mid‑19th‑century Danish pastoral life.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Johan Thomas Lundbye (1 September 1818 – 25 April 1848) was a Danish painter and graphic artist, known for his animal and landscape paintings.
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