Artwork

A goat and kid

A goat and kid, by George Chinnery, 12
A goat and kid, by George Chinnery, 12

A goat and kid is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 12 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a drawing that portrays a goat and its offspring lying down, viewed from the rear.

About this work

Overview

The work is a drawing that portrays a goat and its offspring lying down, viewed from the rear. The composition captures the animals in a relaxed posture, emphasizing their shared space and the gentle relationship between the adult and the young.

Subject & Meaning

By focusing on the back of the goat and kid, the drawing invites contemplation of the animals’ form and presence rather than narrative detail. The intimate positioning suggests themes of nurture and tranquility, highlighting the natural bond within a pastoral setting.

Technique & Style

Executed in drawing, the piece relies on line and shading to delineate the contours of the animals’ bodies. The rear‑view perspective allows the artist to explore volume and texture through subtle gradations, creating a sense of depth while maintaining a restrained, observational approach.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Chinnery

Artist

George Chinnery

George Chinnery (Chinese: 錢納利; 5 January 1774 – 30 May 1852) was an English painter who spent most of his life in Asia, especially India and southern China.