Artwork
The Head of a Red Brushed Cow
The Head of a Red Brushed Cow is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Carlo Dalgas. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Carlo Dalgas’s 1844 canvas titled *The Head of a Red Brushed Cow* presents a solitary bovine portrait. The work resides in Stockholm’s Nationalmuseum, where it is displayed among the institution’s 19th‑century holdings. The composition focuses tightly on the animal’s head, set against a subdued green backdrop that frames the warm tones of the subject.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a cow with a coat that blends creamy whites and reddish‑brown brushwork, highlighted by a pale patch on the forehead. The animal’s calm gaze and steady posture convey a sense of quiet presence, inviting viewers to consider the dignity of a farm creature rendered as a formal portrait.
Technique & Style
Executed in a realistic manner, Dalgas renders the texture of the cow’s hide with meticulous brushstrokes that capture the softness of fur and the subtle play of light across the surface. Warm earth tones dominate the palette, while the muted green field behind the animal creates depth and separates the figure from the picture plane.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1844, the painting entered the collection of Sweden’s Nationalmuseum, where it has remained a part of the museum’s permanent display. Its acquisition reflects the 19th‑century interest in genre scenes that elevate everyday subjects to the level of fine art.
Artist & collection
