Sketches of Cows
Rosa Bonheur, n.d.
About this artwork
Rosa Bonheur's *Sketches of Cows* offers a charming glimpse into the artist's meticulous study of nature, rendered in graphite heightened with white gouache on green wove paper. Measuring just 13.8 × 18.5 cm, this intimate undated drawing from the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints Drawings department captures the gentle forms and textures of cows with Bonheur's signature precision. The pale green paper serves as a subtle tonal ground, allowing the graphite lines to define contours while the white gouache adds luminous highlights, evoking the play of light on fur and muscle. As a leading 19th-century French Realist, Bonheur was celebrated for her lifelike depictions of animals, often drawn from direct observation in rural settings. These sketches likely served as preparatory studies for her larger paintings, showcasing her extraordinary ability to infuse everyday livestock with dignity and vitality. A trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field, Bonheur's dedication to anatomical accuracy revolutionized animal portraiture, bridging fine art and naturalism. Housed in a major collection, this work highlights the preparatory side of Bonheur's process, reminding us how her keen eye for detail laid the foundation for masterpieces like *The Horse Fair*. A testament to her enduring legacy, it invites visitors to appreciate the quiet poetry in a cow's stance.