Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

In this watercolor, the cow's head is the focal point, centered within the composition and rendered with meticulous detail. The animal's expressive eyes and the soft texture of its fur are flawlessly captured through Homer’s delicate brushwork. The cow's head occupies a significant portion of the frame, creating an intimate and engaging portrayal of the creature. The artist has utilized a naturalistic color palette, with warm browns and earthy hues blending harmoniously to provide a lifelike representation.

The background is equally significant, featuring a glimpse of the picturesque landscape of Étretat. Homer has infused the scenery with touches of greens and blues, suggesting lush fields and serene skies. The combination of the bovine subject and the pastoral setting encapsulates a tranquil, rural atmosphere, reflecting Homer’s keen observation of nature and rural life.

Winslow Homer (1836-1910) was an American landscape painter and printmaker, renowned for his marine subjects. His journey to France in the early 1870s, during which he painted “Head of a Cow, Étretat,” was pivotal in expanding his repertoire and exposing him to European techniques and influences. This particular painting is illustrative of Homer’s exploration of rural themes and his fascination with the everyday life and natural world.

"Head of a Cow, Étretat" fits into Homer’s oeuvre during a period when he was transitioning from his earlier career as an illustrator to establishing himself as a serious painter. The painting is reflective of the Realist movement, which aimed to depict subjects in a truthful and natural manner, devoid of the idealization that characterized previous artistic traditions.

Homer’s work in France, including this watercolor, demonstrates his ability to accurately render his subjects while imbuing them with a sense of place and personality. His time in Europe enabled him to refine his technique, particularly in watercolor, leading to a more nuanced and sophisticated approach that would characterize his later works.

The original painting "Head of a Cow, Étretat (1874)" is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. As an integral piece of Homer’s body of work, it offers valuable insight into his development as an artist and his ability to blend American realism with European influences. The painting’s detailed portrayal of the cow, combined with the serene rural backdrop of Étretat, makes it a remarkable example of Homer’s skill and artistic vision during his formative years abroad.