Staande geiten 1648 - 1733

Curator: Here at the Rijksmuseum, we have an etching titled "Staaande geiten," or "Standing Goats," likely dating sometime between 1648 and 1733. The artist behind it is, sadly, anonymous. Editor: Immediately striking. There’s an almost frantic energy to the linework, wouldn't you agree? And a strangely captivating realism within that chaos. Curator: It's remarkable how these renderings of goats achieve such detail. We can imagine the context of the time, wherein access to animals such as these would have been more easily achievable, allowing for such a study of the figures. I wonder what they stood for in this historical period. Perhaps a subtle nod to rural life? Editor: Possibly. Formally, though, I'm drawn to the balance, or perhaps deliberate imbalance, in composition. Each goat occupies its own framed space. There's this rhythmic structure, this triptych of sorts, achieved through careful line work, using white space. The artist almost sculpts with light. Curator: I wonder if the animals featured here are in reference to classical representations. During the 17th and 18th centuries, wealthy landowners held immense power; did the representation of animals play into the cultural imagery of the era? Editor: Maybe. The ambiguity serves it well. The contrast enhances the realism—makes them feel incredibly present. The composition and form give the animals some agency that maybe challenges expectations, even today. Curator: Yes, regardless of the intention, it is a snapshot of society. Its function extends beyond mere observation, sparking thoughts about class, agriculture, and our connection to nature, still visible generations later. Editor: Absolutely, this simple scene reverberates outward with such powerful intensity—proof of just how effective pure, distilled form can be.