Studies of Goats n.d.

Curator: This drawing, called "Studies of Goats", is attributed to Jan Roos, I. Editor: My immediate thought is, why goats? They're beautifully rendered with such attention to their differing postures, but goats? It feels like an odd subject. Curator: Well, placing this work within the artistic milieu of the Renaissance offers some clues. During this period, animals frequently appeared in art, not just as mere decoration but as carriers of symbolic meaning. Editor: Ah, the weight of symbolism! What might these goats signify in that socio-cultural context? Curator: Goats have diverse and sometimes contradictory meanings. They can represent fertility and virility, linking them to notions of abundance. Conversely, they're often associated with the diabolical, embodying concepts of lust or stubbornness. Their cultural reading varied greatly! Editor: So, Roos's "Studies of Goats" engages with a complex web of symbolism. I'm particularly interested in the one perched by what looks like architectural ruins, which infers the presence of a long-vanished world or perhaps a commentary on a certain building’s existence. Curator: And the subtle differences in color; that grey goat compared to the ones drawn in vivid reds. Editor: Yes! I think this points towards Roos really exploring a broader theme and the natural and maybe unnatural presences of the Renaissance. It definitely enhances my understanding. It moves it away from a simple drawing. Curator: Absolutely, Jan Roos's artistic explorations and his attention to details is wonderful. Editor: This has really expanded my view of these animals and Jan Roos' intentions. The goats, rendered with such simple, yet profound technique invite more conversation about their story and what those old European paintings mean in a modern world.