Springend zwijn 1655 - 1688

Govert van der Leeuw created this small etching, "Springend zwijn," featuring a wild boar, sometime in the late 17th century. The composition is dominated by the dynamic form of the boar itself, captured mid-leap. The use of line is particularly striking, conveying both the texture of the animal's coarse hair and the energy of its movement. Van der Leeuw’s mark-making isn't just descriptive; it's expressive. Notice how the density and direction of the lines sculpt the boar’s body, creating a sense of volume and musculature. The contrast between the detailed rendering of the boar and the sketchier, more abstract depiction of the landscape emphasizes the animal's vitality. This work can be seen as a moment frozen in time, the boar’s kinetic energy is palpable. The piece doesn’t simply represent a boar; it embodies a raw, untamed force of nature. The formal elements work together to create a powerful and lasting impression of unrestrained energy.