Study of a dog Gerbrand van den Eeckhout (1621-1674)

The drawing presents three distinct studies of a canine subject, arranged vertically on the page. The monochrome palette emphasizes form and tonal variation over coloristic detail. Each depiction captures the animal in a different posture, allowing for exploration of its anatomy and expressive potential.
At the top, we see the dog lying down, curled into itself with its head resting upon its paws. This position conveys a sense of repose or perhaps vulnerability. The artist has rendered the musculature with careful attention to detail, particularly around the shoulders and legs, suggesting an understanding of canine skeletal structure. Shadows are used effectively to define volume and create depth within the form.
The central study shows the dog in profile, its head raised and alert. This posture introduces a dynamic element absent from the first depiction. The artist has focused on capturing the nuances of the animal’s facial expression – the shape of the ears, the set of the eyes – to convey intelligence or curiosity. A collar is visible around the neck, hinting at domestication and a relationship with humans.
The final study depicts the dog in a reclining position, its body angled diagonally across the page. This composition creates a sense of movement and energy. The artist has again employed shading to model the form, highlighting the contours of the back and flanks.
Beyond the purely observational, these studies suggest an interest in capturing not just the physical appearance but also the character or essence of the animal. The varying postures allow for exploration of different emotional states – from quiet contemplation to alert awareness. The drawing’s simplicity – the absence of background detail – focuses attention entirely on the subject and its form, elevating it beyond a mere representation to something akin to a portrait. It is likely that these studies served as preparatory work for a larger composition or were created simply as exercises in observation and rendering.