Lying cow 

Editor: Here we have "Lying Cow," a drawing by Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt. It looks to be made from red chalk, charcoal and pastel, and I am struck by how solid and weighty the cow seems despite the lightness of the materials. It's a realistic study. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: The charm is definitely in Hirt's rendering of weight, isn't it? There’s something wonderfully domestic about it, seeing this everyday animal immortalized. This drawing feels more like a gentle observation, a peaceful pause. Makes you wonder what the artist was thinking, doesn't it? Was it a quick sketch from life or something more considered? Editor: It feels very much like a quick sketch, capturing a fleeting moment. Did Hirt make many animal studies? Curator: Well, without a specific date, and knowing that Hirt worked primarily in the 18th century, it places him in a period of increased interest in the natural world, spurred by scientific advancements and the Enlightenment. And yes, animal studies were not uncommon. Artists often used them as practice, developing their skills in capturing anatomy and movement, the building blocks for larger compositions. This feels different, though – intimate somehow. It transcends pure anatomy, wouldn't you say? Editor: Absolutely, it feels like an affectionate portrait, really. I see what you mean. Thanks, that gives me a different way of looking at it. Curator: My pleasure. Art's all about seeing things in a slightly new light, a different hue of ourselves.