A Sheep c. 1860s

Jean Ferdinand Chaigneau created "A Sheep" using graphite and white chalk on paper. At first glance, you'll notice how the sheep is rendered with soft, flowing lines, giving it a gentle, almost dreamlike quality. Chaigneau's choice of graphite and white chalk allows for a subtle play of light and shadow, emphasizing the texture of the sheep's wool. This is achieved through delicate strokes that define the animal's form without harsh outlines. The composition is simple, focusing entirely on the sheep, which fills the majority of the frame. The drawing explores a structural investigation into form. By reducing the background to a minimum, Chaigneau directs our attention to the essential qualities of the sheep itself. It invites us to contemplate not just what we see, but how we see, engaging with the very process of perception and representation.