Zittende patrijshond 1780 - 1851

Pieter Janson created this print of a ‘Sitting Pointer’ using etching techniques. Notice how the composition is structured around the large, centralized figure of the dog. Its substantial form anchors the foreground. Janson uses varying densities of etched lines to describe the texture and volume of the dog’s coat, contrasting dark, patterned areas with lighter, smoother sections. This creates depth and brings the dog to life. Behind the pointer, the landscape is rendered with finer, more delicate lines that include slender trees, distant fields and two slender dogs on the left-hand side. The background not only establishes a naturalistic setting but also reinforces a sense of depth through the manipulation of line weight and detail. The contrast of the intricate detailing of the pointer and the slender hounds is important to understanding how Janson has used the semiotic system to create a harmonious composition. The print's linear precision and tonal variation are what make it so compelling. These function not just aesthetically but also to explore ideas about the relationship between nature and representation.