A Sheep with Bound Legs c. 17th century

Curator: This drawing, a study really, is by Cornelis Saftleven. It's called "A Sheep with Bound Legs," and is part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought is, oh, the poor thing. It looks so vulnerable, lying there with its legs tied. There is an unsettling stillness. Curator: Saftleven was known for his paintings of peasant life, often filled with animals. This drawing, though, feels different. It's intimate, almost tender. The soft hatching brings out the texture of the fleece. Editor: The bound legs, however, cannot be ignored. It's a potent symbol of powerlessness, of being at the mercy of others. This resonates, particularly when considering marginalized communities and the history of oppression. Curator: Perhaps. Or maybe he was simply practicing his craft, capturing the form and texture of the animal. Editor: Even in that case, the artist's eye chose this particular pose, this specific moment of constraint. These choices are never neutral. Curator: True. Regardless, it evokes a sense of empathy, a connection to something often overlooked. Editor: Exactly. Art allows us to consider power dynamics and our relationship with the vulnerable, be they animal or human. It's a call for compassion.