Maris, Willem – Witte koe, 1880-1910 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The canvas presents a pastoral scene centered around a single bovine subject. Here we observe a white cow standing near what appears to be a body of water, likely a pond or stream, set within a broader landscape of grassy fields and dense foliage. The animal dominates the foreground, its form rendered with a focus on anatomical detail and texture. Patches of darker coloration mark its hide, contrasting against the predominantly pale tones.
The artist employed a loose, impressionistic brushstroke throughout the composition. This technique is particularly evident in the depiction of the vegetation, which appears less as distinct plants and more as an accumulation of green hues suggesting abundance and growth. The sky above is rendered with broad strokes of blue and white, conveying a sense of atmospheric perspective and diffused light.
The water’s surface reflects both the cow and the surrounding foliage, creating a subtle mirroring effect that adds depth to the scene. The artists use of color contributes to an overall feeling of tranquility and naturalism. The muted palette – primarily greens, blues, whites, and browns – reinforces this sense of quietude.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of rural life, the painting hints at a deeper contemplation of nature’s rhythms. The cow, as a symbol of domesticity and sustenance, is placed within an environment that seems both nurturing and untamed. This juxtaposition suggests a relationship between human activity and the natural world – a theme frequently explored in late 19th-century art. Theres a certain stillness to the scene; the animal appears absorbed in its own existence, seemingly oblivious to any observer. The composition invites reflection on themes of simplicity, rural life, and the inherent beauty found within commonplace subjects.