Staande ram 1565 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta created this etching, 'Standing Ram,' around the turn of the 17th century. The dominant visual element is the intricate network of lines defining the ram's form and texture. Notice how Tempesta uses closely packed, parallel lines to create darker areas and suggest volume. This use of hatching gives the ram a tactile quality, as though we could feel the density of its wool. The composition is simple, with the ram centrally positioned and striding purposefully. The ground beneath it is barely suggested, focusing our attention on the animal's anatomy. The large, coiled horns are a striking feature. They are meticulously detailed and contrast with the softer rendering of the body. The artwork's impact lies in its formal qualities: the modulation of light and shadow through line, the balance of form, and the animal's dynamic pose. Tempesta not only captures the physical presence of the ram but also hints at its strength. This interplay between representation and formal structure gives the artwork a lasting visual and symbolic resonance.