The Hog

The Hog, created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, in 1643, is a characteristic example of the artist's exploration of graphic media during the height of the Dutch Golden Age. Executed using the demanding combined techniques of etching and drypoint on paper, this classification of print demonstrates Rembrandt’s profound ability to manipulate line weight and texture to convey volume, light, and shadow. Unlike many of his contemporaries who primarily focused on oil painting, Rembrandt regarded printmaking as a fundamental creative medium, often experimenting extensively with states and papers to achieve unique emotional effects in his editions.

The subject matter, inferred from the title, focuses on a domestic animal, which aligns with the 17th-century Netherlandish artistic fascination with realistic genre scenes documenting everyday agricultural and domestic life. Rembrandt’s technical precision is evident in the finely etched lines defining the form, while the drypoint element adds a rich, velvety burr in the darkest areas. This meticulous manipulation of texture and the dramatic contrast between light and deep shadow, a signature stylistic element of the 1606-1669 oeuvre, transforms a simple scene into a compelling study of naturalism.

As a significant example of the master’s work in this medium, The Hog provides critical insight into the graphic explorations that defined the career of the preeminent artist of the Netherlands. Today, this masterwork resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Given the age and historical importance of this print, high-resolution digital scans are frequently available through museum and public domain archives, allowing global access to the detailed artistry of one of history’s greatest printmakers.