Drie honden before 1650

"Drie Honden" (Three Dogs) is a 17th-century etching by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta. The detailed print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts three distinct dog breeds. The foreground features a hound with its head down, while a greyhound with its tail curled stands prominently behind it. A third dog, likely a sighthound, looks back at the viewer. The artist's masterful use of hatching creates a sense of depth and texture. Tempesta was known for his animal studies, and this work reflects his keen observation of canine anatomy and character. The print serves as a valuable historical document, capturing the diversity of dog breeds in 17th-century Europe.