Artwork
Two Cows on a Hill
Two Cows on a Hill is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Paulus Potter. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Two Cows on a Hill is a 1648 oil painting by Dutch Golden Age artist Paulus Potter, characterized by a serene pastoral scene of two cows on a rocky hillside against a soft, cloudy sky.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on the quiet, everyday moment of two cows, one standing and the other recumbent, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow on their fur and the hill's rugged texture, conveying a sense of simplicity and calm.
Technique & Style
Potter's use of oil paint captures the subtle play of light on the cows' coats and the rocky terrain, shot from a low perspective—a hallmark of his style—enhancing the naturalistic and intimate portrayal of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created when Potter was around 20, this work is part of his prolific output of approximately 100 paintings before his death at 28. It is currently housed in the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst.
Context
As a product of the Dutch Golden Age, the painting reflects the period's emphasis on detailed, realistic depictions of everyday life and landscapes, with Potter specializing in animal subjects within such settings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paulus Potter (Dutch pronunciation: ; 20 November 1625 (baptised) – 17 January 1654 (buried)) was a Dutch painter who specialized in landscapes featuring animals, often from a low vantage point.
