Three Children with a Dog c. 18th century

Editor: This is Ferdinand Kobell's "Three Children with a Dog." It looks like an etching. The textures are so interesting and varied. What stands out to you about the composition? Curator: Note how Kobell uses line to create both form and texture. The density of lines varies, creating depth and shadow, particularly around the foliage and the figures' clothing. Consider how this interplay of light and dark impacts the overall structure. Editor: So the lines aren't just outlines, but create volume? Curator: Precisely. Observe how the hatching and cross-hatching define the children and the dog, giving them a tangible presence within the picture plane. The image is constructed through a systematic arrangement of lines. It is a fascinating system. Editor: It’s like the lines are the building blocks of the whole scene! Thank you!