First Group of Arcadian Goats
1830
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1830
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This sketch shows a few goats lying down in a grassy field. Their bodies are simple shapes, and the artist used light pencil strokes to show fur and shadows. The background is mostly blank space with just a hint of trees or bushes in the distance. The drawing feels loose and quick, like a rough idea rather than a finished work. The goats look relaxed, almost like they’re resting after grazing. If you like this style, check out stippling to see how artists build up images with tiny dots.
