Eine Kuh, eine Ziege und ein Schaf beieinander in einer bergigen Landschaft liegend 

Editor: This drawing by Nicolaes Berchem at the Städel Museum depicts "A Cow, a Goat, and a Sheep Together in a Mountainous Landscape," rendered in chalk and pencil. I find the composition rather striking, especially how the animals are nestled within this hazy, almost dreamlike setting. What elements of its structure stand out to you? Curator: The density of line and the tonal variation. Berchem masterfully employs hatching and stippling to build form. Note how the pressure applied to the chalk and pencil varies, creating a subtle play of light and shadow that defines the contours of the animals and the landscape. The composition itself lacks a strong central focus, diffusing attention across the scene. Do you agree? Editor: Yes, it's as if Berchem invites your eyes to wander. Is there significance in the textures, for instance, the rough strokes for the foliage compared to the softer rendering of the animals’ fur? Curator: Precisely. That juxtaposition creates a tactile quality. Consider also how the landscape is rendered in broad, almost gestural strokes. Observe how the artist’s touch varies dramatically. It suggests a hierarchy of importance. The animals, clearly the subjects of the work, receive a higher degree of refinement than their surroundings. Editor: That makes sense. So, in your opinion, is Berchem primarily concerned with representation, or is there an exploration of texture and mark-making at play as well? Curator: The distinction you draw is pertinent. While representation is undoubtedly present, consider also the autonomy of the marks themselves. Berchem doesn't just depict animals; he presents us with the very act of depiction. The drawing itself becomes a record of his engagement with line, form, and tonality. Editor: I see. So, in the end, it is more about the intrinsic qualities of the work rather than merely illustrating a scene. Curator: Precisely. The work is about its own making as much as the things depicted, if not more.