Study of a Hound; Head and Shoulders, Facing Right 1794

This study of a hound was made around 1794 by George Morland, using graphite on paper. The magic of this drawing resides in the directness and immediacy of the graphite. You can almost feel Morland’s hand moving across the page, capturing the essential form of the dog with a few, deft strokes. See how the varying pressure of the graphite creates a sense of volume and texture? The lines are darker and more concentrated in the areas of shadow, giving the hound a palpable presence. The seemingly effortless quality of the drawing belies the skill involved. Morland would have trained extensively to achieve this level of proficiency. In his day, drawing was seen as a fundamental skill, essential for anyone involved in design or the fine arts. Yet we might also connect this sketch to a wider world of labor, as the dog itself was bred for work. Ultimately, this study reminds us that even the simplest of materials, combined with skill and intention, can produce a work of lasting beauty and insight, dissolving boundaries between art, craft, and the everyday.