Drie honden 1654

"Drie honden" (Three Dogs) is a 1654 etching by Dutch artist Pauwels van Hillegaert (1596–1658), now housed in the Rijksmuseum. The print depicts three dogs, two in the foreground locked in a playful tussle, while a third dog stands back, observing the scene. This intimate scene, with its detailed depictions of canine anatomy and behavior, reflects van Hillegaert's interest in animal studies. The etching is a fine example of the Dutch Golden Age's embrace of naturalism in art, with its intricate detail and realistic portrayal of the dogs. The artwork's small dimensions, 116 mm by 147 mm, highlight the artist's technical skill in capturing detail within a compact format.