Herkaauwende of tweehoevige dieren 1865 - 1875

Editor: Right, next up we have "Herkaauwende of tweehoevige dieren" which translates to something like "Ruminant or cloven-hoofed animals," by George Lodewijk Funke, dated between 1865 and 1875. It's a print, using lithography, pen, and drawing techniques. There's a certain...clinical detachment to the way these animals are presented, like an old encyclopedia page. What strikes you about it? Curator: Oh, it does rather lack warmth, doesn't it? But then again, perhaps it's less about sentimentality and more about... curiosity. You see, these aren't just "animals," they're specimens, observed and recorded with scientific precision. Though that cow next to the shepherd looks rather like it knows something we don't. I find myself wondering about the intent of children's illustrations in the 19th century. Were they designed to inspire awe and wonder or simply to classify and catalogue? Which, dare I say, they did quite literally. Editor: Hmm, so you see it as a product of its time, reflecting a very different way of viewing the natural world. Do you think there is beauty here too? Curator: Beauty? Absolutely! It's the beauty of observation, of meticulously rendering each hair, each hoof. Look at the textures! The shaggy wool of the sheep practically begs to be touched. And the contrast of that ram's fleece against its enormous horns! To me it evokes wonder… don’t you agree? Editor: I do now. I initially saw it as a bit dry, but I see now a sort of reverent precision and technical accomplishment that reflects the naturalist views from this period. Thanks for highlighting the details! Curator: My pleasure. I am now dreaming of sheep and their funny horns! What an interesting ride through visual learning!