Etude d’oies c. 1870s

Camille Pissarro sketched ‘Etude d’oies’ with graphite on paper. The composition presents two distinct groupings of geese, each possessing a unique energy and form. At the top, a cluster of geese is rendered with quick, light strokes, creating a sense of movement and collective mass. The lines are suggestive rather than definitive, inviting the viewer to complete the forms in their imagination. Below, a solitary goose is drawn with slightly more detail, its form more clearly defined, yet still retaining a sense of spontaneity. The use of hatching adds depth and volume to the goose’s body, contrasting with the more ephemeral treatment of the group above. This piece highlights Pissarro's engagement with capturing the essence of his subjects through the immediacy of line. The sketch is not just a study of geese, but also an exploration of the formal qualities of drawing itself. Pissarro seems interested in the interplay between line, form, and space, and in how these elements can create a dynamic and engaging composition.