Artwork
Cows
Cows is an ink print by the Baroque artist Herman van Swanevelt. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Cows is an etching executed in 1628 by the Dutch artist Herman van Swanevelt. The print depicts two bovine figures positioned within an open field, rendered in a monochrome tonal range characteristic of early seventeenth‑century printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a pair of cows, one gazing directly toward the viewer while the other is engaged in grazing. The straightforward portrayal of domestic livestock within a natural setting reflects a modest narrative focus on everyday rural life rather than allegorical or mythological content.
Technique & Style
Van Swanevelt employed deep, incised lines that produce a textured, somewhat coarse surface, suggesting the shaggy coats of the animals. The handling of line and shading creates a sense of volume and atmosphere, aligning the work with the tonal chiaroscuro approach common among Dutch and Italian printmakers of the period.
History & Provenance
The artist spent much of his career traveling through Italy and France before establishing himself in Rome, where he produced a series of prints that combined animal figures with tranquil landscapes. Although specific ownership records for this particular etching are scarce, it forms part of van Swanevelt’s broader output of early modern prints.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
