Kop van een wolf met open bek c. 1850

Jacobus Cornelis Gaal etched "Head of a Wolf with Open Mouth," sometime in the 19th century. The square format of the etching contains the animal's head, capturing a moment of wild ferocity through its open mouth and sharp teeth. The artist's lines vary in weight and direction, creating a sense of texture and volume. Cross-hatching defines the fur, while the lighter strokes around the face add depth. The wolf's head emerges from a background of quickly executed lines, focusing our attention on its expressive features. What does it mean to portray such an intense creature? Throughout history, the wolf has been coded with complex symbolism, often viewed as both a predator and a symbol of wilderness. This print destabilizes any one reading, inviting us to consider the wolf's place in our understanding of the natural world. Gaal has captured something raw and untamed. The formal qualities of the print—its lines, textures, and the intensity of the wolf's expression—work together to produce a powerful study.