Een liggende hond, van opzij gezien 1589 - 1657

This drawing of a reclining dog was created by Frans Snijders. The piece is a study in contrasts, achieved through a limited palette. Snijders masterfully employs line and shadow to define the form of the dog, creating a dynamic interplay between light and dark that is both striking and subtle. The dog is captured in profile. The angularity of the dog's skeletal frame, emphasized by the artist's precise linework, creates a sense of tension. The strategic use of hatching and cross-hatching adds depth and volume, while the animal's gaze draws us into the composition, encouraging a close look at its physical form. Snijders' work functions as a semiotic exercise. By exploring the formal elements of the drawing—line, composition, contrast—we reveal the artistic and cultural construction of the natural world. The drawing remains open to interpretation, challenging viewers to engage with its structure and form.