The dog kennel with six dogs

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Artiste: Pauwels van Hillegaert (Amsterdam 1595 – 1658 Amsterdam)
Date: 1654
Technique: etching
Dimensions: 11.3 x 14.2 cm

Catalogue raisonné: Hollstein 1 iii/iv

Although the title refers to six dogs, the image depicts seven under a heavy, hot sun. The composition orchestrates various emotions: anticipation (alert greyhounds), boredom (one nosing the wall), weariness, the pitiful shelter of the kennel, the pride of the seventh dog in the foreground, and a bond stronger than solitude.

The magnificent, rigorous execution masterfully renders atmosphere and light using only lines and dots.

A rare work.