Two Himalayan Rabbits 1887 - 1931

Curator: Let’s take a look at this charming drawing titled "Two Himalayan Rabbits," attributed to Frans Everbag and created sometime between 1887 and 1931. The medium appears to be coloured pencil on paper. Editor: My first thought? Cozy. They’re like two fluffy loaves, nestled together. The colour palette gives it a warm, slightly antiquated feel. Curator: Absolutely. Note how the composition directs our gaze. The artist employs a symmetrical arrangement with the rabbits as central forms, emphasizing their rounded, almost geometric shapes. The slightly elevated perspective adds depth to the flat picture plane. Editor: Rabbits, historically, pop up as symbols of fertility, abundance, and sometimes, vulnerability. The Himalayan breed itself, with its distinctive markings, brings a specific lineage to the table, perhaps suggesting an interest in controlled breeding and domesticity of exotic species in that period. Curator: That’s astute. The use of colour is equally intriguing. The limited range focuses on contrast—the stark white fur against the dark points of their ears and noses. Notice too, the artist’s skill in using colour to create subtle gradations of light and shadow on their forms, which adds a level of volume and definition. Editor: The vegetables scattered at the bottom—radishes, greens—it almost feels like a still life component grafted onto an animal portrait. It could point to a subtle commentary on the role of animals in the domestic sphere, perhaps as both companions and commodities. There's a tension between affection and utility here. Curator: Interesting observation. Now consider the texture created through the coloured pencil. There's a tactile quality; you can almost feel the softness of the fur, thanks to the layering and hatching techniques used. This evokes an intimacy, inviting the viewer to engage with the subjects on a more personal level. Editor: Ultimately, this is more than just a rendering of two rabbits. It's a vignette rich with potential meanings, from domestic tranquility to subtle socio-cultural commentary. Curator: Agreed. Everbag's "Two Himalayan Rabbits" offers an engaging exercise in form and representation, leaving us to consider the multifaceted relationship between humans and the natural world.