Pack-horse, seated man with staff in right hand, and dog, all viewed from the rear, from the series 'The Small Landscapes' 1641 - 1678

This etching, part of Karel Dujardin's 'The Small Landscapes' series, depicts a pack-horse carrying a load, a seated man holding a staff, and a dog, all viewed from behind. The composition, created between 1641 and 1678, offers a snapshot of rural life. The use of etching, a technique where acid is used to create lines on a metal plate, allows for a detailed rendering of the figures and the surrounding landscape. The scene's simplicity and focus on everyday activities capture a moment of quiet observation, characteristic of Dujardin's artistic style.