Hier ziet gy / ô jonge jeugd! in deze nieuwe prent / Vier dieren afgebeeld na 't leven pertinent 1767 - 1793

This print, made by Erven Hendrik van der Putte, presents four animals in separate, framed panels. Each panel is a study in contrasts, rendered through hatching. The lines create not just form but also a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Notice how the artist used the woodcut technique: the stark lines define the contours and textures of each animal, giving the impression of depth. This emphasis on line and form flattens perspective and focuses on the intrinsic shapes. The animals – a horse, cow, elephant, and lion – serve as a catalogue of nature's diversity. The rigid structure of the composition invites a semiotic reading. Each animal represents a sign. The horse, standing before the church, may symbolize faith. The lion, with its roar, embodies power. The artist uses this visual vocabulary to convey a message about nature and morality.