The Hog

"The Hog," created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1643, is a small but highly expressive example of the master's graphic work. Executed primarily through the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint, this piece demonstrates the artist's innovative approach to printmaking during the peak of the Dutch Golden Age. The 17th century, specifically the period spanning 1601 to 1650, was a transformative era for graphic media, allowing artists like Rijn to disseminate their intricate imagery widely beyond traditional commissioned paintings.

The work focuses on a single animal, rendered with stark realism. Rijn combines the detailed precision offered by the etched line with the rich, velvety texture achieved through drypoint. This specific combination, utilizing the burr pushed up by the drypoint needle, gives the animal’s hide a rough, palpable quality, emphasizing the earthy nature of the subject. Though many of Rijn's known graphic works feature biblical scenes or commissioned portraits, The Hog highlights his dedicated interest in the everyday life and common animals observed in the Dutch Republic. The raw, unsentimental portrayal of the hog, likely destined for consumption, is characteristic of the contemporary genre painting that focused on domestic or working-class subjects.

This masterful control of light, shade, and texture elevates the simple animal study into a powerful exercise in draftsmanship and composition. As one of the significant surviving prints from the artist’s prolific output, this work remains crucial for understanding Rijn’s technical experimentation in graphic arts. The accessibility afforded by these printed works has contributed to their enduring study; high-resolution images are frequently available in the public domain for scholars and enthusiasts globally. This exemplary impression of the work is permanently housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.