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Georg Philipp Rugendas made this red chalk drawing of two standing deer in the late 17th or early 18th century. It is important to consider the place of origin, Augsburg, Germany, because this was a hub for printmaking at the time. While this is a drawing, one cannot help but consider its relationship to printmaking. It is possible that this drawing was made as a study for a print, perhaps as part of a series depicting animals. During this period, images of animals were popular among the aristocracy. They were symbols of power and prestige, and were often used to decorate hunting lodges and country estates. It would be interesting to compare this drawing to other images of deer from the same period, to see how Rugendas' work fits into the broader cultural context. Researching the artist's patrons and the intended audience for his work would also shed light on the drawing's meaning and purpose.