Ferrets 

James Ward made this drawing of ferrets using chalk on paper in the 19th century. The composition shows three ferrets, each captured in a moment of repose against a warm, neutral background. The soft application of chalk creates a velvety texture, giving the animals a tactile presence. Ward's choice to focus on the animals' forms and poses, rather than placing them in a detailed setting, emphasizes their inherent qualities. The arrangement of the ferrets across the paper suggests a study in animal anatomy and behavior. This formalist approach invites us to consider the essence of the animals themselves. The drawing functions as a semiotic system where line, tone, and form combine to convey the ferrets' distinct character. This close attention to detail and form places the drawing within a discourse that values empirical observation and careful representation, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns of the time.