En hund liggende på marken 1859

This is "En hund liggende på marken" – A dog lying in the field – an etching by Johannes Wilhelm Zillen, created in 1864. The print captures a poignant scene with stark contrasts and delicate lines, evoking a sense of quiet observation. The dog, rendered with meticulous detail, dominates the composition. Zillen uses a monochromatic palette, relying on the interplay of light and shadow to define form and texture. Look closely at the detailed etching to explore how the dog's fur, the subtle undulations of its body, and the surrounding vegetation come to life through a network of fine lines and cross-hatching. Zillen masterfully uses the etching technique to create a study in contrasts. The texture of the artwork, achieved through dense clusters of etched lines, creates a tactile quality that enhances the animal’s presence. The work examines the relationship between the animal form and the semiotic language of art, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of representation and reality.