Dog breeding

As in the previous drawing, here the composition is articulated into several distinct scenes. Particularly striking is the artist’s deliberate attention to selected details—for example, the loggia on the left, partially cast in shadow, where the architrave displays visible abrasions, suggesting that this portion of the building is older. Dogs are tied and resting inside basins filled with hay. A gentleman wearing a plumed hat appears to be instructing a servant on what food should be provided to the restrained animals. In the central section, one observes scenes of coupling and grooming, while on the right, veterinary procedures are underway. The dogs have their legs bound, and a small stick has been inserted into their mouths—presumably to prevent them from biting due to pain. This part of the structure is rendered with notable cleanliness, and the room is visibly warmed by a lit fireplace. In the upper left corner, a kennel-like structure is depicted, into which a handler is seen entering with a dog. The sky, as in other drawings, seems to be rendered in a watercolor-like manner—although this is likely an optical effect created by the brown wash used to suggest atmospheric shading.