Zich krabbende geit 1840

Hendrik Jozef Franciscus van der Poorten's "Zich krabbende geit" is a study in ink wash, where shades of gray articulate the form of a goat caught in a moment of self-attention. The composition is elegantly simple, focusing our attention on the animal's posture and the texture of its coat. Observe how the artist uses light and shadow to define the goat's anatomy, creating a sense of depth and volume. The quick, fluid strokes suggest movement, capturing the fleeting action of the goat scratching itself. This immediacy invites us to consider the artwork not just as a representation of an animal, but as an exploration of form and gesture. The materiality of ink wash lends itself well to this subject. Its tonal range and fluidity allow for the creation of subtle gradations and soft edges, enhancing the tactile quality of the goat's fur. In this way, Van der Poorten transforms the mundane into a subject worthy of artistic investigation. The artwork is a study of the formal qualities of line, tone, and texture.