Twee geiten of bokken 1666 - 1726

This is an undated etching by an anonymous artist, depicting two goats or bucks. The composition is simple, but the artist's use of line and texture creates a surprisingly dynamic image. Notice how the contrast between the detailed, almost frantic lines used to render the goats' fur and the smooth, empty background emphasizes their presence. This technique, combined with the stark monochrome palette, forces us to confront the raw physicality of these animals. The larger goat, standing upright, dominates the composition, while the smaller one is hunched low, possibly feeding. This contrast in posture introduces a sense of tension or impending interaction. The animals aren’t simply representations of goats but become carriers of meaning through their form and interaction. Is this a subtle commentary on power dynamics, or merely an observation of nature? The etching invites us to consider how formal elements contribute to broader interpretations of animal, nature, and perhaps even human behaviour.