Twee geiten en een boer bij een hek 1899 - 1920

Jan Mankes made this pencil drawing of two goats and a farmer by a fence. The use of pencil is crucial here. It allowed Mankes to sketch the scene rapidly, capturing the essence of the animals' forms and the rural setting with minimal detail. The soft graphite creates a range of delicate tones, from the faintest suggestion of a background to the firmer lines that define the figures. This directness and simplicity speak to the realities of rural life, a world where efficiency and utility are paramount. The very act of drawing with a humble pencil reflects a down-to-earth sensibility, contrasting with the more elaborate methods often associated with high art. The drawing also connects to the broader social context of artistic practice, at a time when artists were grappling with representing everyday life and labor. The rough and simple quality of the medium gives the drawing an authenticity, making it a direct and honest representation of the scene. Ultimately, Mankes’s choice of material shapes our understanding, bridging the gap between fine art and the more workaday crafts.