Staande stier 1632 - 1679

Curator: This drawing, titled "Staande stier," or "Standing Bull," is attributed to Jan Jansz. den Uyl II and dates sometime between 1632 and 1679. It's an ink drawing, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age. Editor: The bull dominates the space, doesn't he? The composition gives him this sturdy, almost stoic presence, even from behind. It feels intimate, like catching a glimpse of the everyday. Curator: The seemingly simple portrayal offers much upon closer viewing. The bull acts as a representation of Dutch agricultural power and prosperity during this era. Animals like this one played a key role in the economy. Editor: It's intriguing how den Uyl renders the bull's fur with these rapid, dense strokes. The level of detail using only ink is quite stunning! You can almost feel the texture of its coat, rough and thick. It makes you wonder, what ink would he use to make such texture? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the practicalities, isn't it? What type of ink was available? What was the source of his paper? These raw materials really dictate the final artwork. The materials condition the artistic gesture. Editor: Absolutely. Plus, notice the contrast. The bull is solid, grounded, while the background fades into a delicate sketch of a rustic gate and trees. There's a real balance between representation and almost…dreaminess. Curator: One shouldn't forget the potential for this to be preparatory piece as part of the artistic production of painting. Ink drawing held tremendous material importance beyond just sketch, as a commercial enterprise unto itself, with marketplaces trading prints like these and informing a wider viewership, through various print houses throughout the Netherlands. Editor: Knowing that adds such depth to it, seeing how it interacts with Dutch economic life. It's more than just an animal; it's connected with wider circuits of creation and capitalism! This gives it almost another life altogether! I look at this image in another new light now! Curator: Exactly!