Bull
1880
At just 21 years old, Norwegian artist Gustav Wentzel captured this sturdy bull in a sketch dated January 23, 1880. The drawing showcases his keen eye for anatomy, focusing on the animal's heavy musculature and calm stance with soft, observational shading. You can spot his signature in the bottom left corner, marking this as a study likely done from life. Wentzel would go on to become a leading figure in Norwegian realism, famous for depicting rural life, and this early work reveals the foundational skills he honed before his major successes.