Phoque. / Sea-dog. / Seehund. / Foca. / Zeehond 1829 - 1880

This print titled 'Seehund', by firma Joseph Scholz, presents a composition dominated by the imposing forms of seals against an arctic backdrop. The artist uses linear hatching to model the bulky forms of the seals in the foreground. Their texture is further emphasized by a subtle palette of browns and grays, bringing a tactile quality to the depiction. The arrangement of the seals, with one in the foreground and others receding into the distance, establishes a clear spatial hierarchy. The backdrop of jagged ice formations rendered with quick, thin lines adds to the dramatic effect, suggesting both the beauty and the harshness of the arctic environment. The layering of forms—seals in the foreground, ice formations in the back—creates a structured visual field. This print functions not just as a naturalistic representation but also as a constructed image, carefully arranged to convey a certain vision of nature. Notice how the lines delineate form, and how the strategic use of light and shadow contribute to the volume of the subjects, emphasizing their physical presence.