De hond 1894 - 1959

This print of ‘De Hond’, or ‘The Dog’ as we’d say, is on display at the Rijksmuseum. It has this kind of charming old-fashioned quality to it. The palette is limited to soft, earthy tones: browns, greens and creams, which gives it a kind of gentle, unassuming presence. Looking at the way the lines are made, you can see the hand of the artist. The shading is very simple, using short, parallel strokes to give form to the dog’s body, but it’s actually quite expressive. If you look closely at the dog’s face, you’ll notice the subtle variations in tone that give it character. There’s a sense of warmth and intimacy, like the artist had a real connection with their subject. It reminds me of those old scientific illustrations, but with a more personal touch. You can see this type of approach in the work of illustrators like Beatrix Potter, who also combined a love of nature with a talent for storytelling. It’s art that invites you to slow down and appreciate the simple things.