Kop van een stier c. 1766 - 1830

Dirk van Oosterhoudt created this small etching of a bull’s head. The head is turned to the side and rendered with a network of delicate lines against a muted background. This gives the image a serene, almost spectral presence. The linear structure of the etching plays with the relationship between surface and depth. Notice how Oosterhoudt employs closely packed lines to define the contours of the animal’s face, creating a tangible sense of volume and texture. The precision in his technique transforms the simple form of a bull’s head into a sophisticated study of form. The subtle variations in line thickness animate the surface, and invite close inspection. Through its formal qualities, the work transcends its subject matter. It becomes an exploration of how we perceive reality through art. The etching offers a fascinating case study in how an artist can transform a commonplace image into a compelling object of aesthetic and intellectual inquiry.