Artwork
Weide met koeien
Weide met koeien is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Willem Maris. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1898, this oil on canvas by Dutch painter Willem Maris depicts a tranquil rural scene. The composition centers on two cows—one light‑colored with brown spots standing in shallow water, the other darker in the grass—set against a softly lit landscape of trees, bushes, and a pale sky.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents a quiet moment of pastoral life, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between livestock and their natural surroundings. The calm posture of the animals and the gentle horizon suggest a contemplative appreciation of the countryside, a recurring theme in Maris’s oeuvre.
Technique & Style
Executed in an impressionistic manner, the painting employs loose, visible brushstrokes that capture fleeting light and atmospheric effects. Maris’s palette of muted greens, blues, and earth tones conveys the subtle variations of color in the open air, while the handling of water and foliage reflects his focus on natural illumination.
History & Provenance
The canvas entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing the Dutch Hague School and the late‑19th‑century landscape tradition.
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