Vier stierenkoppen 1809 - 1833

Jean Bernard made this study of four bull's heads with pen and brush in the late 18th or early 19th century. The humble medium of pen and ink gives this work its directness. The artist's hand is clearly visible in every stroke, and you can see how he built up the forms with layers of shading. The bull was an important symbol in European culture, representing strength and virility. But here, Bernard seems more interested in the animal's anatomy, capturing the texture of its fur, the curve of its horns, and the subtle play of light and shadow across its face. The use of drawing as a medium also speaks to the changing status of art during this period. As industrialization transformed European society, artists increasingly turned to more accessible and portable media like drawing, which allowed them to capture the world around them with greater immediacy and intimacy. This study of bulls' heads is a reminder that even the most seemingly mundane subjects can be elevated through the skilled hand of an artist.