Girl with Rabbit (from McGuire Scrapbook) 1816 - 1868

Emanuel Leutze created this graphite drawing, Girl with Rabbit, date unknown, with delicate yet energetic strokes on paper. The drawing captivates with its softness and the intimate portrayal of its subject. The composition centres on a young girl cradling a rabbit. Leutze masterfully uses line and shadow to define form, creating depth and texture. The sketch displays a contrast between the smooth, gentle curves describing the girl's face and dress, against the more agitated lines that give volume to the rabbit's fur. The circular hatching in the background further isolates the subjects. This piece is a study in contrasts, and a semiotic exercise: the girl’s serene gaze juxtaposes with the animal’s alertness. Such juxtapositions encourage us to destabilize fixed meanings and to contemplate deeper narratives of youth, innocence, and human-animal relationships. Ultimately, the drawing invites ongoing interpretation, reminding us that art is not fixed but evolves with each viewing.