Standing cow to the left 

Editor: We’re looking at “Standing cow to the left,” a red-chalk drawing by Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt, likely from the 18th century. It’s quite simple; just a cow rendered in reddish-brown lines. What do you notice first about its formal elements? Curator: The line, undeniably. Its quality varies – confident outlines versus tentative, almost scribbled infill. Notice how this textural variation impacts our reading of form and depth. Does the inconsistent rendering flatten the figure or add dimension? Editor: I think it's a bit flat, perhaps because there isn't much shading to describe the volume. The emphasis is definitely on the contour. Does the limited tonal range play a significant role? Curator: Absolutely. The limited range of the red chalk places the emphasis on shape and line rather than dramatic light and shadow. See how Hirt uses hatching – parallel lines – to suggest the musculature of the animal, however minimally? It directs our eye and describes the form economically. Do you think that's effective? Editor: Yes, I do. It’s simple but evocative. Are there other techniques that catch your attention? Curator: The composition itself is quite stark, wouldn't you agree? The cow occupies almost the entire picture plane. What’s the impact of that compositional decision? Editor: I think it makes the cow a monumental figure, despite its small size and humble subject. It forces us to really look at the animal. Curator: Precisely. And what initially seemed like a quick sketch reveals itself to be a carefully considered study of form and line. The starkness emphasizes Hirt's focused interest on line and structure, and on the essential qualities of the animal. Editor: I see that now. I was initially underwhelmed by the simplicity, but looking closer at how it uses the red chalk really opens it up. Curator: Exactly. Focusing on form and line and recognizing these qualities helps us appreciate the complexity behind apparent simplicity.