Kop van een slapende hond 1818

Jean Bernard’s drawing, 'Head of a Sleeping Dog,' captures a moment of quietude with remarkable economy of means, using graphite on paper. The composition is dominated by the dog’s head, filling the frame and creating an intimate viewing experience. Bernard's skillful use of line and shading invites us to consider not just the subject, but also the nature of representation itself. The soft gradations achieved through delicate strokes of graphite lend a tactile quality to the fur, almost inviting touch. Yet, the drawing remains a two-dimensional construct, a signifier of an absent form. The absence of color further abstracts the subject. The monochromatic palette directs our attention to the play of light and shadow, the subtle shifts in tone that define the dog's features and convey the stillness of sleep. This interplay reminds us that the artwork’s meaning lies not just in its representational function, but in its formal qualities, engaging us in a visual and intellectual game that challenges us to decode its underlying structure.