Schetsblad met studies van geiten 1857

Curator: Immediately I’m drawn in by the energy. It’s raw, unfiltered observation. What strikes you? Editor: There’s a sense of stillness amid the seeming chaos of multiple studies. They are goats, but their individual postures seem quite serene. It’s quite calming. Curator: Indeed, Bilders has really captured a peaceful dynamic. The drawing before us, created around 1857, is titled *Schetsblad met studies van geiten*, which translates to “Sketch sheet with studies of goats,” and is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. What can you tell us about the society that shaped these kinds of naturalist portrayals? Editor: Well, animal studies became popular subjects due to the rise of agrarian Romanticism and scientific interest in the natural world during the 19th century. Artists were moving outdoors, interested in objective documentation of different animal breeds in various conditions of light and environment. Curator: That’s an interesting approach, however, considering the social context: in the Dutch Golden age, farm animals frequently took center stage to portray societal tensions within genre painting. Can you explore this reading in light of current politics and social theories of visibility? What happens when we consider the "status" of each animal today? Editor: I agree to some degree, yet there's little evidence of "political messaging" present within the aesthetic itself, though I understand where your interpretation stems from. From my standpoint, I see Bilders using humble materials, pencil on paper, to achieve an incredible understanding of the anatomy and character of these animals. The use of realism seems less like a social statement, and more like observation with objective eyes. Curator: It speaks to our current desire for “authenticity” that pervades much of social media, right? There are some wonderful expressive qualities here… Editor: Absolutely. It leaves one pondering the place of farm work and these gentle creatures in today’s globalized society. Curator: It gives one much to consider!