Lying goat to the left 

Johann Heinrich Roos made this drawing of a goat using red chalk sometime in the 17th century. The way Roos renders the goat's fur shows an interest in texture. You can almost feel the coarseness of its coat. The red chalk, a natural clay-based medium, allows for a softness and warmth that complements the animal's gentle repose. What is most fascinating about this work is how Roos elevates an everyday subject through his careful attention to detail. Traditionally, drawing was a means to an end, a step towards painting or sculpture. But here, the drawing stands alone as a finished work of art. Roos's skill in capturing the essence of the goat, its form, and texture, transforms a simple sketch into a captivating work of art. This piece reminds us that even the most humble subjects, when rendered with care and skill, can become objects of beauty and contemplation, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.