Liggend paard 1816

Jean Bernard created this drawing, Liggend paard, with pen in gray ink, rendering a softly focused image of a horse at rest. The overall composition emphasizes the horizontal, with the tranquil form of the horse parallel to the lower edge. Bernard’s technique plays with tonal variations to define the horse’s form and its setting. The density of strokes creates a sense of volume and texture, particularly in the horse's mane and body, while the light, sketchy lines suggest the surrounding grass. The strategic use of shading not only models the shape of the horse but also conveys a feeling of stillness. This drawing invites contemplation on the interplay between form and representation. The careful attention to the horse's posture and the nuanced use of gray ink function as signs within a semiotic system, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns. The drawing prompts us to consider how the formal elements of art can evoke specific emotions.