Artwork
Drawing of a cow
Drawing of a cow is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Edwin Landseer. It dates from 1812 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Edwin Landseer’s drawing presents a solitary cow reclining on the ground, its head turned modestly to one side. Executed in simple line work, the sketch conveys the animal’s bulk and fur texture with minimal detail. The paper bears signs of age, including a faded label and a mounting inscription that links the piece to an early collection.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on the quiet repose of the cow, emphasizing a naturalistic observation of animal behavior. By choosing a lying pose, Landseer captures a moment of vulnerability and calm, reflecting his early interest in studying the anatomy and demeanor of domestic livestock.
Technique & Style
Rendered with swift, loose strokes, the drawing exemplifies the artist’s practice of rapid animal studies. The lines are unembellished yet effective, outlining the cow’s mass and fur without extensive shading, indicative of a youthful hand still mastering proportion and gesture.
History & Provenance
This work belongs to a group of early drawings that were bequeathed by the collector Sheepshanks, as noted by an inscription on the mount. The donation situates the piece within a broader assemblage of Landseer’s juvenile sketches, highlighting its role in the artist’s developmental archive.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Edwin Henry Landseer was an English painter and sculptor, well known for his paintings of animals – particularly horses, dogs, and stags. His best-known work is the lion sculptures at the base of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.
