Standing Mountain Goat c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Antonio Tempesta's "Standing Mountain Goat," an etching from the 16th or 17th century, held at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by the texture; the artist has created the illusion of this shaggy coat using only lines. What can you tell me about the composition? Curator: Indeed, the textural quality is achieved through remarkable line variation. Note how Tempesta employs hatching and cross-hatching to modulate the goat’s form. Observe also the strategic use of negative space around the horns, creating a visual tension that emphasizes their curvature. Editor: So it's about the interplay of these elements? Curator: Precisely. The artwork's power resides in the formal relationships between line, form, and space. The lines evoke texture, but the composition guides the viewer's eye. Editor: Fascinating. I'll be sure to look more closely at the techniques used to create texture. Curator: Excellent. A close reading always reveals new insights.