Zwemmende zwaan 1660

"Zwemmende zwaan" (Swimming Swan), a 1660 etching by Dutch artist Dirck de Bray (1645-1694), depicts a swan gracefully swimming in a body of water. The composition features a detailed portrayal of the swan's plumage and the ripples in the water, creating a sense of realism. The background, while simplified, includes a distant cityscape and sailing ships, hinting at a broader landscape. This small-scale work, measuring just 63 mm by 58 mm, demonstrates de Bray's skill in capturing both the beauty of the natural world and the finer details of his subject. The use of hatching and cross-hatching techniques adds depth and texture to the swan, giving it a lifelike quality. This etching is a fine example of de Bray's meticulous craftsmanship and his fascination with the natural world.