Two Cows Resting by a River at Sunset

Two cows sit and stare out at the viewer through inquisitive eyes; their questioning gaze seems almost guarded. Behind them a small flock of sheep is returning after a day of grazing in the fields, their shepherd rests with his back towards the cool water’s edge. In the distance the town is beginning to disappear in the evening haze, the sun sits low in the sky and has begun its descent behind the hills. The warm remaining light seems to blanket the land in a hypnotic calm. The day’s activity is at an end and there is a residual stillness and quiet in the air.

This work was inspired by the Italianate Painters of the 17th Century. Works created by artists who traveled to Italy and captured the brilliant warm light of the Mediterranean that differed so markedly to the cooler climate of the North of Europe. Artists such as Jan Both and Nicolaes Berchem were both masters of the style, their works and the works of other travelling artist would inspire others who never made the journey, such as Aelbert Cuyp, who adopted the style and applied it to the Dutch countryside and the cattle he so famously painted.

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My name is Michael Memete, I am a self taught Melbourne based artist inspired by the old masters, in particular those of the 17th century Dutch Golden Age. Each of my paintings is created using the highest quality materials possible, including paints I grind by hand as well as flax oil (“linseed” oil) that I have cleansed and prepared using time honoured methods. Each piece I create is a one off and though themes and objects may reappear I will never make copies of a previous work. I am my own harshest critic and believe that each piece must be of a certain level of quality before it leaves the studio and I can be comfortable asking somebody to buy it. Vanity, mortality, philosophy and wisdom are all themes I like to explore in my work and I aim to improve my craft with each painting I complete. It is my hope that there are people out there who would like to support me on this journey as I aspire to reach mastery and play a small part in restoring the beauty of traditional art in modern times.

Each piece comes with a hand signed certificate of authenticity upon purchase.

All of my works are signed, varnished, framed and ready to hang unless stated otherwise.

If you have any inquiries or If you would like to see a piece in the studio, please feel free to get in touch, I would be more than happy to hear from you. Thank you.

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