Drie zwijnen bij een heg 1656 - 1658

Karel du Jardin created this etching of three pigs near a hedge. The composition is subtly divided, with the right side dominated by a thick tree and the left side opening into a more distant, undefined landscape. The pigs themselves are arranged to guide the eye across the scene, leading from the active, foraging pig on the left to the two reclining on the right. Du Jardin's use of line is particularly effective. The dense, almost chaotic lines used to depict the pigs' coarse hair contrasts with the sparser lines that define the background. This not only highlights the texture of the animals but also creates depth within the small format of the print. Note how he captures the weight and form of the pigs with a few economical strokes. This print exemplifies how a seemingly simple subject can be elevated through careful attention to form and structure, inviting viewers to consider the underlying order and artistry within the natural world.