Nymph Holding a Large Dog by a Collar

Nymph Holding a Large Dog by a Collar

Stefano Della Bella

1637

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a woman standing beside a large dog on a leash. She’s dressed in flowing robes, holding the dog’s collar with one hand while looking down. Trees and bushes fill the background, giving a wild, natural feel. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and texture, especially in the dog’s fur and the leaves. This style makes the scene feel lively, even though it’s just ink on paper. Next, check out etching to see how artists like this one use acid and needles to create prints.

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