Dier, mogelijk een schaap of koe 1892 - 1901

Antoon Derkinderen sketched this possible study of a sheep or cow with pencil on paper, though the exact date is unknown. In the late 19th century, the art academy had become the gatekeeper to the art world. It determined whose work was seen and celebrated. Artists like Derkinderen often used sketches like this to study the form and anatomy of animals in order to better represent them in their larger academic paintings. This drawing, however, has a certain freedom to it. Its loose lines suggest that Derkinderen was more interested in capturing the essence of the animal rather than a realistic depiction. By the time he made this sketch, Derkinderen was part of a generation of artists that wanted to challenge the strict rules of the academy. To fully appreciate the social context of Derkinderen's art, it is useful to consult archival material from art academies. Such resources would provide more insight into his artistic evolution.