Studieblad met geiten 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created this drawing of goats using graphite on paper. Graphite, in its raw form, is a mineral composed of layers of carbon atoms, and the paper is derived from processed plant fibers. The marks he created, light and airy, show a range of tones that capture the texture of the animals' coats. The soft, almost hazy quality of graphite lends itself well to capturing the goats' forms. Notice the visible strokes and erasures, which convey a sense of immediacy and the artist's hand at work. The simplicity of the materials and process, combined with Israëls skill, results in an intimate glimpse into the artist's study of these animals. The choice of such humble materials challenges traditional notions of art as something precious or elaborate. By focusing on the simple act of drawing, Israëls elevates the ordinary and reminds us of the beauty and skill inherent in everyday observations, and in the art of translating these observations through the hand.