Zebra, van achteren 1878 - 1944

Here we have Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita's 'Zebra, van achteren', made with what appears to be graphite on paper. Look at how the tail becomes a key structural element, dividing the animal in two, and anchoring the zebra's mass. The marks are wonderfully economic, capturing the essence of the animal with a simple line. There's a vulnerability to the piece, as the animal has its back to us, its form exposed. The smudging of the graphite gives a texture to the drawing, bringing a tactile quality. The zebra's stripes, usually so bold, are here rendered as gentle curves, giving a softness to the image. I'm reminded of Franz Marc, especially his animal drawings, where form and feeling blend. Art, like life, is about finding new perspectives, a conversation across time, and always open to interpretation.