Vuurbok met lier 1772 - 1779

Jean Pelletier created this drawing, "Vuurbok met lier," which translates to "Fire Dog with Lyre," using pen and gray ink. The symmetrical composition and meticulous lines immediately draw the eye. The piece is dominated by the central fire dog, shaped like a lyre, a classical reference lending an air of elegance and refinement. Consider how Pelletier uses line and form here. The rigid, vertical lines of the lyre's 'strings' contrast with the ornate curves of the decorative elements. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension, a play between order and ornamentation that is characteristic of the period. The drawing functions as a design proposal, an idea rendered on paper. The scale is indicated below which highlights the practical considerations inherent in the artwork’s design. It is not merely decorative. This demonstrates how Pelletier’s work functions both aesthetically and practically. It invites ongoing interpretation within the discourses of design, functionality, and artistic expression.