Slapend hondje

Slapend hondje is a remarkable print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1640. Executed on paper, this small-scale work exemplifies the artist's keen interest in capturing intimate moments of domestic life. Created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the print showcases the simple form of a small, curled-up dog in slumber, a subject that often appeared incidentally in larger scenes but was rarely the central focus of a finished work of art.

Rijn was celebrated not only for his painting but also for his profound mastery of the printmaking medium, utilizing techniques like etching or drypoint to achieve delicate lines and rich tonal variations. Unlike his grand history paintings, this study of an animal relies purely on immediacy and acute observation. The artist’s sketch-like approach captures the texture and vulnerability of the animal, transforming an informal study into a permanent artistic statement. These original Slapend hondje prints are foundational to the study of the artist's prolific graphic oeuvre.

The enduring appeal of this humble subject has ensured its status among Rijn's celebrated works on paper. This piece is housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it serves as an important record of the artist’s versatility across diverse subjects and media. Today, while the original is carefully preserved, many high-resolution images of these masterworks have entered the public domain, guaranteeing that the intimate studies and expressive prints by Rembrandt remain globally accessible.