Liggende, slapende hond 1871 - 1906

Pieter de Josselin de Jong created this drawing of a sleeping dog using black chalk on paper. Chalk is a relatively simple material, but in the hands of a skilled artist, it can produce a surprising range of effects. Notice how the artist uses the chalk to create a sense of depth and texture. The dog's fur is rendered with a series of short, quick strokes, while the shadows are built up with layers of darker chalk. De Jong also uses the chalk to create a sense of movement, as if the dog is breathing softly in its sleep. The choice of material also speaks to the artistic context. Chalk is a readily available medium, often associated with sketching and preparatory studies. By using this material, de Jong is perhaps suggesting that the artwork is a spontaneous and intimate observation, rather than a highly finished work. It bridges the gap between the fine arts and more accessible, everyday practices.