Four Goats 1816

Curator: Ah, yes, Jean Louis de Marne's "Four Goats." I’m particularly drawn to how de Marne captured these pastoral scenes, full of quiet moments. Editor: It gives a feeling of…bleakness, almost? A severe etching of goats. It's quite arresting. Curator: Arresting, yes! The artist’s skill is so apparent. There’s something almost haunting in the details of the goats’ faces, which I see as reflections of the pre-Revolutionary aristocracy. Editor: I see the goats' placid existence as a critique of power structures—or perhaps the naivete of rural life juxtaposed against the impending social upheaval of the time. Curator: That's a brilliant observation. Editor: These goats are such interesting signifiers! Thanks for expanding how I view this piece. Curator: It’s been such a pleasure discussing it with you!