Paard opgetuigd als werkpaard 1652 - 1659

Karel du Jardin created this etching, "Paard opgetuigd als werkpaard," using fine lines to depict a horse in its working gear. Notice how the composition is structured around the horse's form, which dominates the foreground. The artist paid close attention to the texture and weight of the animal. The etched lines vary in density, creating a sense of depth and volume. This work exemplifies the Dutch interest in realism and genre scenes. Du Jardin’s technique reflects broader concerns with the representation of nature and everyday life. The horse, a common subject in Dutch art, becomes a symbol of labor. Consider how the formal qualities of the etching—the detailed lines, the careful rendering of texture—contribute to its meaning. The artwork functions as part of a larger cultural discourse about work, nature, and representation.