Artwork
Cow Lying Down near a Fence
Cow Lying Down near a Fence is an ink print by the Baroque artist Paulus Potter. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1650, this etching presents a solitary cow reclining beside a wooden fence.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1650, this etching presents a solitary cow reclining beside a wooden fence. The animal lies on its side, head turned slightly toward the viewer, while a distant landscape of fields, trees, and soaring birds recedes behind the fence. The composition conveys a quiet, pastoral moment, emphasizing the stillness of the countryside.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on a single bovine figure, rendered in a relaxed pose that suggests rest after labor. By placing the cow in a tranquil setting, the image reflects the Dutch 17th‑century interest in everyday rural life and the harmonious relationship between humans, animals, and the land.
Technique & Style
Executed as an etching, the piece relies on bold, precise lines and careful hatching to model form and suggest texture. The low viewpoint and detailed rendering of the animal’s anatomy are characteristic of Potter’s approach, while the restrained palette and clear delineation of space create a sense of depth without ornamental excess.
History & Provenance
The etching was produced by Paulus Potter, a Dutch artist active in the mid‑1600s who specialized in animal subjects. Potter’s brief career, ending with his death in 1654 at age twenty‑eight, yielded roughly one hundred paintings and several prints, of which this work is a representative example of his printmaking output.
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.
