Landscape with cows Willem Maris

The canvas presents a pastoral scene dominated by expansive skies and a low-lying landscape. Here we observe a herd of cows grazing in a field that gently slopes towards a body of water – likely a marsh or estuary – which occupies the lower portion of the composition. A solitary figure, presumably a farmer or herder, is positioned within a small boat on this water, using a long pole to navigate or test the depth.
The artist’s handling of paint contributes significantly to the overall impression. The sky is rendered with loose, expressive brushstrokes in varying shades of white, grey, and pale blue, conveying a sense of atmospheric perspective and diffused light. This contrasts with the more detailed depiction of the foreground vegetation, where individual blades of grass are suggested through short, textured strokes. The cows themselves are painted with a degree of realism, their brown hides catching the light in subtle gradations.
In the distance, faint silhouettes of buildings – possibly windmills or other structures associated with rural life – are visible against the horizon line, adding depth and suggesting human presence without intruding on the tranquility of the scene. The water reflects the sky and surrounding landscape, blurring the boundaries between earth and heaven.
Subtly, the painting evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and connection to nature. The solitary figure in the boat suggests a rhythm of labor intertwined with the natural world. The vastness of the sky and the expanse of the field convey a feeling of openness and freedom. There is an understated melancholy present; the muted palette and diffused light contribute to a mood that is both peaceful and slightly wistful, hinting at the cyclical nature of rural existence and the passage of time. The absence of any dramatic event or narrative focus allows for a meditative engagement with the scene, inviting the viewer to appreciate the simple beauty of everyday life in a pastoral setting.