Four Cows

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our drawings: nn Here we have "Four Cows," a delightful work by an unknown artist. This piece, rendered in red chalk on beige laid paper, showcases the artist's keen eye for animal anatomy and a mastery of light and shadow. Notice how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching techniques to give the cows volume and form. The varying thickness and density of the red chalk lines further enhance the three-dimensionality of these gentle creatures. nn The composition is simple yet effective. The four cows, captured in various resting poses, fill the paper almost entirely. The topmost cow stands as if gazing at the scene below, while the others lounge in comfortable repose. The beige paper acts as a neutral backdrop, allowing the warm reddish-brown hues of the cows to take center stage. nn "Four Cows" is more than just a study of animals; it's a testament to the artist's skill and the enduring charm of the natural world. While the artist remains unidentified and the exact date unknown, the drawing offers us a glimpse into the artistic practices of the past and the timeless appeal of capturing the beauty of the everyday. nn This piece is part of the National Gallery of Art's permanent collection, a testament to its enduring artistic value.