Portret van een jongen met een hond 1658 - 1677

Wallerant Vaillant created this mezzotint print, "Portrait of a Boy with a Dog," sometime in the 17th century. The composition is arranged with a clear hierarchy. The boy stands centrally, his figure anchoring the gaze, while the dog, placed on a draped table to the left, forms a secondary focus. Vaillant masterfully uses light and shadow to model the forms, giving the figures a sculptural presence against the flat background. Notice how the textures are meticulously rendered, from the soft curls of the boy's hair to the opulent folds of the drapery. Vaillant's innovative use of mezzotint allows for a wide range of tonal variations, creating a rich and velvety surface. The subtle gradations of light not only enhance the realism of the scene but also contribute to its melancholic mood. The formal restraint and controlled tonal range serve to elevate the sitter, embodying the decorum of the era.