A goat to the left 

This drawing, "A Goat to the Left," was created by Johann Ludwig von Pfeiff around 1710. Notice the predominance of sanguine strokes of red chalk creating an image that focuses on form and texture. The animal’s body is described through short, dense marks that convey its woolly coat and sturdy build. Pfeiff uses line and shading to define the goat’s volume and to create a sense of depth. This is achieved through the contrast between the lighter areas, where the paper is left bare, and the darker areas, where the chalk is more heavily applied. The hatching technique defines the animal's contours and suggests the texture of the surrounding landscape. This juxtaposition enhances the sense of the goat as a distinct and imposing presence within its environment. The sketch-like quality evokes a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the subject. This artistic choice elevates the humble goat into a subject worthy of contemplation.