Waakhond 1610 - 1653

"Waakhond" ("Watchdog") is an etching by Dutch Golden Age artist Simon de Vlieger. The image depicts a large, chained dog lying down in front of a wooden building. De Vlieger is known for his marine paintings, but he also produced several etchings, including this one. The etching's meticulous detail, particularly in the dog's fur, highlights De Vlieger's technical skill and the artistry he applied across genres. The scene, with its simple composition and focus on the canine subject, exemplifies the Dutch preference for realism and everyday subjects.