Artwork
Lying Cow
Lying Cow is an oil painting by the Realist artist Anton Mauve. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Anton Mauve’s 1874 oil painting *Lying Cow* presents a solitary dairy cow at rest in a modest field. Rendered in the realist tradition of the Hague School, the work emphasizes natural light and a subdued palette, inviting viewers to observe a quiet moment of rural life. The canvas is part of the Rijksmuseum’s permanent collection.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a Prim’Holstein cow, recognizable by its predominantly white coat marked with brown patches and its prominent curved horns. By portraying the animal in a reclined, tranquil pose, Mauve highlights the everyday serenity of farm work and the intimate relationship between Dutch peasants and their livestock.
Technique & Style
Mauve applies oil paint with a thick, impasto technique, allowing brushstrokes to remain visible and giving the animal’s fur a tactile quality. The background consists of a dark brown ground with a faint suggestion of green grass, creating a simple setting that directs attention to the textured surface of the cow itself.
History & Provenance
Created during the height of Mauve’s career, the painting reflects his commitment to realistic depictions of the countryside. After changing hands several times in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, *Lying Cow* entered the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it remains on display as an example of Dutch realist painting.
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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.
