Three Sketches of a Goat (recto) Drapery of Standing Female Figure (verso) c. 1610

Abraham Bloemaert made this drawing of three goats with pen and brown ink in the Netherlands, sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century. Bloemaert was a leading figure in the Dutch Golden Age, a period defined by unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing. The image has a simple composition, with the artist focusing on the detailed observation of the goats' anatomy. In terms of its institutional context, this drawing was probably made as a study for a larger painting. During this period, the Dutch art market saw the rise of professional artists' studios and academies, where artists would learn by copying prints and studying models. Animal studies like these served as source material for paintings or prints. Bloemaert's drawing offers insights into the artistic and social conditions of his time. We can learn a lot about artistic practices by consulting historical inventories, artists' manuals, and other archival documents. By studying these resources, we can better understand the role of art in society and the complex relationships between artists, institutions, and their audiences.