To væddere 1620 - 1683

Nicolaes Berchem created this small etching titled 'Two Rams.' Observe the meticulous lines that build up the rams' woolly coats, creating texture that almost invites touch. Berchem's use of line is not just descriptive; it is also structural, giving form and volume to the animals. The composition, while simple, is carefully considered, placing the rams in a way that leads our eye across the image, from the prominent ram in the foreground to the more subdued figure behind it. The etching technique itself, with its capacity for fine detail and subtle gradations of tone, is integral to the artwork's effect. The stark contrast between the dark lines and the light paper heightens the tactile quality of the rams' fleece. Ultimately, 'Two Rams' is a testament to the power of line and texture, revealing the structural potential inherent in the etching medium. It shows us that even in a seemingly simple pastoral scene, complex formal relationships are at play.