Sleeping Dog
1617 - 1681
Medium
brush
Dimensions
118; 60
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Hondje slapend op een kussen.
Art Historical Context
**Sleeping Dog** Cornelis Saftleven (1617–1681) Nestled in delicate scale, *Sleeping Dog* is a brush drawing by Dutch artist Cornelis Saftleven, measuring a mere 60 × 118 mm. Titled *Hondje slapend op een kussen* ("Little dog sleeping on a cushion") in Dutch, it tenderly portrays a small hound curled up in repose, evoking quiet domestic tranquility. Created during the Dutch Golden Age, this intimate work reflects the era's growing interest in everyday subjects and animal studies, transforming a simple moment into an endearing vignette. Saftleven, known for his lively genre scenes and ani...
About the Artist
Cornelis Saftleven
Cornelis Saftleven (c. 1607–1681) was born in Gorinchem into a family of artists, with his father Herman Saftleven and brothers Abraham and Herman Saftleven the Younger also painters. He likely learned his craft from his father in Rotterdam, where the family was active, and later collaborated closely with his brother Herman in Utrecht around 1634, developing innovative stable interiors as a new mo...