Die kranke Ziege

Welcome, everyone! Before you stands Die kranke Ziege ("The Sick Goat"), a captivating painting by Karel Dujardin, dating from 1600 to 1700. This exquisite piece is part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection. Measuring 73 centimeters wide and 84.5 centimeters high, the painting invites you into a quiet, pastoral scene. nn The artist masterfully uses earthy tones of browns, reds, and muted greens to depict a group of three figures – a man in a brown, fur-trimmed coat and two women kneeling – gathered around a light-colored goat, which appears to be the focus of their attention. The women's expressions suggest concern or perhaps a shared conversation. A dark-colored dog sits nearby, adding to the rural atmosphere, while two birds rest on the ground near the goat. The background subtly hints at a distant landscape and a structure, completing the tranquil farm setting. nn Notice how Dujardin uses light, seemingly from the upper left, to create depth and shape the figures and animals. The shadows subtly define the forms, drawing your eye to the central group and their interaction with the goat. The overall mood is one of quiet contemplation, leaving the viewer to ponder the story unfolding before them. It's a beautiful example of the pastoral genre, capturing a moment of everyday life with remarkable skill and sensitivity.