Kop van bok 1780 - 1855

Jan Dasveldt created this image of a goat's head using etching, during a time of significant social and intellectual change. Dasveldt lived through the Batavian Republic and the Napoleonic era. The image captures a goat with strong linear strokes, focusing on the texture of its fur and the curve of its horns. During this period, representing animals was often a way to explore themes of nature, rural life, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. This was also an era of burgeoning scientific inquiry. Consider the way the artist emphasizes certain features, giving the goat a unique character. How does Dasveldt challenge or reinforce conventional ideas about nature? Think about what it means to capture the likeness of an animal, and how this artistic choice reflects broader societal views on our place within the natural order. This is an intimate portrait that invites us to reflect on nature.