Vache comptoise

Title

Vache comptoise

Representation of a Comptois cow

ca. 1830

Artist

Lemercier / Levasseur (1838-1875)

Huge Parisian firm of lithographic printers founded by Joseph Rose Lemercier (1803-1887), who began as the foreman for Langlumé in 1825. Working on his own account from 1827, 1829-36 in partnership with Bénard association formed in 1837 according to IFF catalogue for Joseph Lemercier. The firm was still active in 1841.

Historical Description

This representation is part of Émile Baudement’s monumental series Les Races bovines au Concours universel agricole de Paris en 1856: Études zootechniques. Set against a panoramic rural landscape, the animal is depicted with anatomical clarity and ideal proportions, emphasizing the zootechnical value and breeding standards of the time. Émile Baudement (1819–1886) was a French zootechnical expert and professor, renowned for his contributions to animal husbandry and agricultural science. He played a significant role in organizing the 1856 Concours Agricole Universel, where he documented and promoted various foreign livestock breeds. Baudement's research and work, particularly his publication Les Races bovines au Concours universel agricole de Paris en 1856, had a lasting impact on the study of livestock breeding. His expertise helped shape modern practices in animal breeding and contributed to the development of agricultural techniques.