Liegender Ochse nach rechts 

Curator: Here we have "Liegender Ochse nach rechts" attributed to Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt, held in the Städel Museum's collection. It's rendered in ink and depicts a recumbent ox. Editor: My first impression is how gentle this image feels, almost meditative. The softness of the ink washes gives the large animal a surprisingly vulnerable air. Curator: Indeed, the artist captures a quiet moment, diverting from more idealized depictions of animals. It possibly served as a study for a larger composition. Think about the societal role of the image of an ox, both as laboring animal and source of sustenance. This piece is a very pared-down approach. Editor: And the material quality of ink on paper lends itself well to that. The thinness of the lines in places suggests the texture of the ox’s coat. You can almost feel the weight and presence of the animal through such minimal means. The work embodies a real understanding of form using modest materials, and with swift execution. Curator: Consider how institutions like the Städel then curate these pieces – often studies or preparatory sketches - and elevate them to the status of exhibited artwork. The labor involved in creating this is hidden and instead, the final aesthetic impact becomes key to our understanding. Editor: That elevation speaks volumes about our evolving appreciation for craft and process. What might have once been a utilitarian sketch now prompts us to consider the labor, both animal and human, intrinsic to its creation, and how social frameworks have formed its reputation today. Curator: Very true. Examining the intersection between naturalistic representation and the structures through which those images gain cultural importance is key here, I think. It pushes us to think more broadly about the animal in society, especially at that time, where their material function in rural or agrarian society was more present. Editor: It's a good reminder to look beyond the immediate aesthetic and consider the wider framework in which art is created, circulated, and ultimately, valued. Curator: Absolutely, a wonderful artwork that reflects complex issues through seeming simplicity.