Geit met zogend jong c. 1846 - 1851

Willem Roelofs made this sketch of a goat suckling its young with graphite on paper. Graphite, in pencil form, has long been a standby for artists due to its accessibility and ease of use. Observe how Roelofs coaxes out a range of tones and textures with his pencil, from the soft fur of the goat to the subtle shading that defines its form. The density of the graphite creates depth and dimension on the flat surface of the paper. The strokes vary in direction and pressure, which gives the drawing its liveliness. Roelofs skillfully uses the pencil to capture the tender interaction between the mother and her offspring. While seemingly simple, the act of drawing with graphite requires a deep understanding of materials and techniques, and the result is a timeless image.