Drie geitjes 1860

Curator: I’m struck by the sheer tranquility of this print. Jacobus Cornelis Gaal completed this etching, entitled "Drie geitjes," around 1860. It's a modest depiction of three goats, quietly resting, each rendered with an incredibly soft touch. Editor: Resting… or incredibly bored, perhaps? Honestly, the monochrome adds to this sense of languor, an almost pastoral stasis. Though, I concede, that fine hatching creates such nuanced shading, particularly on the animals' fur. Curator: The etching process, with its controlled lines and textures, lends itself well to that soft fur you mention. It’s interesting how Gaal captures them at rest—ordinary, yes, but there's an unidealized view of rural life being captured. Genre painting through a realist lens, really showing the life of farmers and farm animals. Editor: Certainly. You know, for me, the most interesting part of this work isn't really about art as social practice, as its quiet intensity somehow holds my attention captive, the longer I gaze. Curator: Is it maybe about that peaceful communion with nature then? The goats inhabiting their world with calm acceptance. Editor: Something like that. There's an understated drama in it, especially within the very tight confines of the composition itself that holds it all in focus. Curator: A very small window for it to come alive as a space… Editor: It really invites introspection. Which might be unexpected when staring at a bunch of goats. So to speak, though. It makes me ponder what we want out of life and, on reflection, seeing these goats doing nothing reminds me of just resting easy myself! Curator: So true. "Drie geitjes" truly transcends its simple subject. Editor: Exactly. So much said, without the smallest baa of pretension!