Twee studies van een paardenhoofd 1835

Pieter Frederik van Os made these two studies of a horse's head, using graphite on paper. Van Os wasn't interested in high-tech or industrial materials; he took the traditional route. Notice how the graphite pencil, with its inherent qualities of shading and line work, allows van Os to capture the texture of the horse's coat. The softness of the graphite mimics the animal's features. The artist likely employed techniques honed through years of practice, engaging with traditions of draftsmanship that stretch back centuries. But what does it mean to meticulously render a horse's head? In the 19th century, horses were essential for transportation, agriculture, and warfare. This wasn't just an exercise in artistic skill. It reflected a society deeply intertwined with the labor and utility of these animals. The drawing celebrates both the animal’s muscular power and its contribution to the industrializing world. By appreciating the materials and methods of production, we recognize that even a simple drawing can tell a bigger story.