Cow Facing Left, with its Head Raised and Looking Up to the Right
1650
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1650
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Cow Facing Left, with its Head Raised and Looking Up to the Right is a 1650 by Paulus Potter, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This sketch shows a single cow standing sideways, its head tilted up as if sniffing the air. The lines are loose and quick, with shading that makes the animal’s fur look soft but rough. The background is just a faint suggestion of ground, keeping all the focus on the cow’s shape. The artist focused on the cow’s muscles and posture, almost like a quick study. The drawing feels rough and unfinished, as if done fast to capture the animal’s movement. Want to see more sketches like this? Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.
