Liggende geit c. 1756 - 1797

This drawing of a resting goat was made by Hendrik Willem Schweickhardt, likely in the late 18th century, using black chalk on paper. The artist expertly captures the texture of the animal’s fur, using smudging and hatching techniques to create subtle gradations of tone. Consider how Schweickhardt’s choice of materials influences the artwork's appearance. The chalk lends itself to a soft, almost hazy effect, which makes the goat seem peaceful and relaxed. The drawing style is economical; the posture is captured with a minimal amount of marks. This simplicity relates to the period's broader social context. Drawings like this were often made as studies, to be used later in larger paintings. It reflects an artistic system where skilled labor was deployed thoughtfully, with the maximum effect. Next time you look at a drawing, think not just about the image, but the process that brought it into being.