Hoofd van een paard, naar rechts 1819

Jean Bernard’s Head of a Horse, Facing Right, housed here at the Rijksmuseum, is executed in pen and brown ink with brush in gray ink. The head of the horse takes center stage, its form meticulously rendered with a controlled yet expressive hand. Bernard masterfully manipulates light and shadow to create a sense of depth. The deliberate use of hatching and cross-hatching, particularly around the horse's eye and cheek, not only models the form but also evokes a palpable sense of texture. The composition, simple and direct, encourages us to contemplate the animal's inherent dignity. The linear precision and tonal gradations suggest an interest in anatomical accuracy, reflecting the Enlightenment’s emphasis on empirical observation. The overall effect is a harmonious balance between scientific scrutiny and artistic sensitivity. This piece invites us to appreciate the formal qualities of line, tone, and composition, and to recognize the enduring appeal of representational art.