Vijf kindertjes die met een geit spelen 1705 - 1754

Jacob de Wit made this drawing of five children playing with a goat sometime in the first half of the 18th century using pen and brush with gray ink, over black chalk on gray paper. De Wit's drawings often served as preparatory studies for larger works, like ceiling paintings. This sketch shows his mastery of line and shading to convey form and movement. The light gray paper serves as a middle tone, allowing De Wit to build depth with darker ink washes and delicate pen lines. The brisk strokes capture the energy of the scene, with the children almost bursting off the page. The handling of the ink is especially interesting. De Wit varies the pressure and speed of his strokes to create a range of textures, from the soft fur of the goat to the rough bark of the tree. Notice the way the ink pools in certain areas, creating darker accents that define the contours of the figures. It’s a reminder that even in a seemingly spontaneous sketch, a skilled artist can use materials to their full potential.