Geit met drinkend lam c. 1657 - 1761

Marcus de Bye created this small engraving of a goat and lamb with etching. The strong lines of the etching define the forms of the animals, emphasizing their textures. Notice the sharp lines that give the goat’s coat a rough, almost bristly feel. The composition is carefully structured. The mother goat stands, a protective form, while the lamb finds nourishment. The landscape behind is minimal, drawing our attention to the interaction. De Bye uses the stark contrast between the light and dark areas to bring focus to the intimate act of feeding. The etching technique lends itself to a kind of linear precision. De Bye’s choice to focus on the textures and forms through line work engages with a broader artistic interest in realism and the close observation of nature. It invites us to consider how simple lines, carefully arranged, can evoke a sense of depth and feeling.