Capricorn

In Capricorn, Kopel Gurwin offers a stylized interpretation of the zodiac sign through the figure of a horned goat poised in a compact, self-contained composition. Set against a black ground, the animal appears both grounded and alert, its body bent in a tense, crouching posture that suggests contained energy and quiet determination. The image conveys a sense of resilience and steadiness, qualities traditionally associated with the sign of Capricorn.

The central figure is rendered in pale tones of grey, cream, and soft yellow, with the sweeping horns forming the most commanding visual accent. Around the goat, Gurwin builds an ornamental framework of green and turquoise vegetal motifs, enclosed by a ring of yellow-green circular elements. This surrounding border does more than frame the image: it creates a rhythmic enclosure that heightens the iconic presence of the animal at the center. The contrast between the luminous border and the dark field intensifies the visual clarity of the composition.

As in other works from Gurwin’s zodiac series, the Hebrew inscription is integrated directly into the design. Here, Mazal Gdi appears in a pale grey letter set in the upper left, balancing the composition while reinforcing the identity of the sign. The lettering is not treated as an isolated caption, but as a formal component of the image, participating in the overall harmony between figure, color, and ornament.

The work exemplifies Gurwin’s distinctive visual language: flattened forms, strong contour, bold color relationships, and a seamless dialogue between figuration and decorative pattern. In Capricorn, these elements come together in an image that is both emblematic and intimate, transforming the zodiac sign into a compact and richly orchestrated composition.