Liggend schaap, van opzij, naar rechts 1786 - 1839

Pieter Gerardus van Os made this drawing of a 'Liggend schaap, van opzij, naar rechts', or a sheep lying on its side facing right, with graphite. The drawing has an understated simplicity, yet is rich in texture. The composition is dominated by the sheep’s mass, filling most of the space, while the surrounding area is left mostly bare. The sheep's wool is conveyed through dense, layered marks that give a tangible sense of its volume. The use of graphite allows for a subtle interplay of light and shadow that adds depth and form to the animal. Van Os has given us more than just a depiction of a sheep. The careful rendering of texture and form elevates the subject beyond mere pastoral representation. The drawing prompts viewers to consider the interplay between artistic technique, material presence, and the natural world. What we are left with is a quiet but powerful meditation on form and texture.