My Home Cows

White Zebu with Red Halter

Medium
Oil on canvas
Series
My Home Cows

A white zebu lowers its head in three-quarter view, the pronounced shoulder hump and loose dewlap catching a soft raking light. Against a warm, smoky grey the hide is built from countless close-valued whites, faint blue-greys shading the folds of the neck and the long tapering face.

A plaited red rope and a knotted golden cord bind the muzzle, threads of colour that anchor the animal to human keeping. The eyes are half-closed and inward, the mood quiet and submissive. It is a portrait of great tenderness, the sitter dignified yet plainly haltered and held.

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