Kalfskop 1862

This is Willem Linnig the Younger's "Kalfskop," an etching capturing the close profile of a calf's head. Born in Belgium, Linnig came of age during a time of rapid industrialization and changing social norms. His work reflects the period's fascination with animal studies, a genre that often mirrored human characteristics back to the viewer. Consider the calf: often read as a symbol of innocence. Here, it's rendered with a stark realism that hints at vulnerability. Linnig was part of a family of artists, positioning him within a lineage of craftsmanship and observation. This piece invites reflection on our relationship with animals, especially within the context of consumption and ethical treatment. It's an image that stays with you, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths about our place in the natural world.