Liggende geit, naar links 1851

Jacobus Cornelis Gaal created this etching of a resting goat, whose Dutch title translates to "Lying goat, to the left", in the 19th century. Gaal was working during a time when the Netherlands was redefining its national identity, and there was growing interest in depictions of rural life. This small, unassuming etching offers an intimate glimpse into the pastoral world that was increasingly romanticized, yet often misunderstood. Gaal focuses our attention on the individual animal, capturing its form with careful detail. We see not just a farm animal but a living being at rest. During a period that focused on idealizing farm life, this realistic portrayal invites us to consider the labor and lives of animals in our shared environment. In its quiet way, this work develops an alternative to sentimental representations by showing us an animal’s private moment of rest. This piece encourages us to consider the individual stories within broader historical narratives. It reminds us of the importance of empathy and respect for the beings with whom we share our world.