Schapenkop, van opzij 1646 - 1672

This is Adriaen van de Velde's "Schapenkop, van opzij", a small drawing at the Rijksmuseum rendered in graphite. The head of the sheep is presented in profile, constructed from a dense, almost scribbled network of lines. Van de Velde's marks vary in pressure and direction, creating a subtle play of light and shadow that models the form. The texture is almost palpable, built from the accretion of strokes. The absence of strong outlines allows the sheep's form to emerge organically from the paper, a semiotic dance between presence and absence. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and a deep understanding of form. The seemingly simple composition is less about the subject matter itself and more about exploring the potential of the medium. Each mark contributes to the overall structure, revealing a sophisticated understanding of visual language and its capacity to transform humble subjects into objects of contemplation.