Hunted Fox c. 18th century

Editor: This is Samuel Howitt’s "Hunted Fox." The swirling lines of the background and the dynamic pose of the fox create a sense of frenzied motion. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The composition is bisected, isn't it? The foreground's dense foliage opposes the diffuse thicket behind the animal. See how the diagonal of the fox's body drives our eyes from lower left to upper right? Editor: Yes, the fox really pops out against the background. It's like the artist uses the fox as a bridge between the two halves. Curator: Precisely. The graphic contrast and textural layering work together to depict depth and tension, yes? Consider how the engraver's line transforms static media into furious pursuit. What do you make of it? Editor: I see how the arrangement of shapes and lines contributes to the overall meaning. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. The structural analysis of this print’s composition really highlights Howitt's technique.