Drie liggende geiten 1828

William Young Ottley created this etching of three resting goats at an unknown date. In his time, Ottley was known as a collector and connoisseur of old master prints, and this image is strongly reminiscent of 17th century Dutch pastoral scenes. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a romanticized view of nature gained popularity, contrasting sharply with the rapidly industrializing urban centers. Rural life was often depicted as simple, pure, and harmonious. The goats, rendered with soft lines, embody this idealized vision, evoking a sense of tranquility far removed from the social upheavals of the time, such as the French Revolution. It's interesting to consider how Ottley, an art collector and member of the British elite, used his art to express a longing for a simpler existence. To fully understand Ottley's work, we can explore the printmaking techniques of the Dutch Golden Age and the broader social context of early 19th century Britain.