Terrier c. 18th century

Editor: This is Samuel Howitt's "Terrier," undated, from the Harvard Art Museums. The etching depicts a terrier, and there's a stark contrast between the dog and its surroundings. What do you notice about the composition? Curator: Indeed, the composition reveals a sophisticated understanding of form and space. Observe the interplay of light and shadow, how the artist uses hatching to define volume and texture, particularly in the dog's musculature and the rough textures of the barn and bundled sticks. Editor: It's incredible how much detail Howitt achieved with such a limited palette. What does the dog's posture and the dead animal it carries suggest to you? Curator: The dog’s posture creates a dynamic tension within the static image. Its form and that of its prey create a study of how the artist represents movement within a static medium through strategic line work. Editor: I see that now, thanks. I hadn't considered how the lines contribute to the feeling of motion. Curator: Exactly. By considering the interplay of form and technique, we gain a deeper appreciation for the formal achievements of the artwork.