Liggende geit, naar links 1851

"Liggende geit, naar links" (Lying Goat, to the Left), is an 1851 etching by the Dutch artist Jacobus Cornelis Gaal (1796-1866). This small work, measuring just 55 mm by 80 mm, depicts a goat in profile, resting on its belly with its head turned towards the viewer. The artist's keen observation of the animal's form and the subtle details of its fur are evident in the intricate hatching and cross-hatching techniques used in the etching. This work is a prime example of Gaal's talent for animal studies, which he frequently explored throughout his career. The etching is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.