Staand paard in een stal, naar links 1810 - 1816

Jean Bernard made this drawing of a standing horse, facing left in a stable, using pen, brush, and gray ink. The horse’s robust form is rendered with delicate washes of gray, capturing the animal's weight and muscularity. Bernard's choice of materials and techniques reflects a practical approach, akin to that of a craftsman or technical illustrator. The precision of the lines and the subtle gradations of tone suggest a deep understanding of the animal's anatomy and its relationship to the built environment of the stable. The detailed depiction of the horse's harness hints at the animal's role in labor and transportation. The drawing also offers a glimpse into the economy of artmaking during Bernard's time. The relative simplicity and the readily available materials suggest that this was a study or preparatory sketch, rather than a finished artwork intended for display. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images can carry rich layers of social and cultural meaning.