Studying of a Lying Cow
Classification
animals
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Walter Shirlaw
Accession Number
1912-16-112
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Walter Shirlaw's *Studying of a Lying Cow*, between 1875 and1880, captures a quiet moment of natural observation in the tradition of 19th-century American art. Born in Scotland in 1838 and later becoming a prominent figure in the U.S. art scene, Shirlaw was known for his meticulous draughtsmanship and illustrative works. This piece, classified under animals, reflects the era's fascination with the natural world, where artists often produced detailed studies from life to hone their skills or prepare for larger compositions. Though the medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research at the Sm...