Liggend varken, naar rechts 1812

Jean Bernard created this drawing, "Liggend varken, naar rechts," likely in the late 18th or early 19th century, employing graphite to capture the inert form of a pig. The pig's static pose and the artist's precise linework create a study in stillness and form. Bernard's use of graphite allows for detailed rendering of the pig's anatomy and texture. The composition is straightforward, with the pig dominating the frame, which emphasizes its physical presence. The tonal gradations, achieved through careful shading, give the figure volume and depth, highlighting Bernard's technical skill and eye for detail. The pig, depicted with such meticulous attention, raises questions about the relationship between artistic representation and the natural world. Bernard's drawing transforms a common animal into an object of aesthetic contemplation. This artistic approach aligns with the Enlightenment's focus on empirical observation and classification, reflecting broader cultural and intellectual trends of the period.