Studieblad met zwijnskoppen c. 1610 - 1653

Simon de Vlieger’s Studieblad met zwijnskoppen, or Study Sheet of Pigs' Heads, is rendered in graphite with a striking tonal range, evoking a sense of earthy realism. The composition presents several studies of pigs' heads, each delineated with short, energetic strokes that capture their texture and form. Notice how the artist employs line and shadow to convey the weight and volume of the animals' snouts and jowls. De Vlieger's detailed study is a testament to the artist's interest in naturalistic representation and close observation. One could posit that the rendering is less about the pig itself and more about how the pig is seen. The choice of graphite as the primary medium emphasizes line and form. It allows De Vlieger to explore the essential structures of his subject, stripping away color and detail to focus on the play of light and shadow. The focus on the pig's head, repeated in various angles, underscores the artist's commitment to dissecting and understanding the world through its most basic shapes.