Liggende honden 1871 - 1906

Pieter de Josselin de Jong made this drawing of recumbent dogs using black chalk on paper. The use of chalk is interesting. It is a relatively direct medium; there’s not much between the artist’s idea and the mark on the page. The resulting image, however, transcends its simple means. The artist has skillfully captured the weight and texture of the dogs’ bodies, the angles of their limbs, and the way their fur catches the light. Look at how the density of the chalk varies across the image. This demonstrates a high degree of control over the medium. It is clear that the artist was not only skilled in observation but also in the manipulation of the material. In this way, the drawing highlights the labor involved in creating such a realistic representation. It also elevates the status of the medium itself. It is an unassuming material, yet capable of producing a striking and sensitive work of art. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between 'high' art and craft.