Artwork
Ecorche drawing of the head of a dog
Ecorche drawing of the head of a dog is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Thomas Landseer. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This drawing is an anatomical study of a dog's head, created by Thomas Landseer as a young student.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts an écorché, or flayed, dog's head, stripped of its skin to reveal the underlying muscles and anatomy. It was made for the purpose of studying the structure of the canine head.
Technique & Style
The drawing demonstrates a detailed and precise rendering of the dog's anatomy, reflecting the artist's training in anatomical study under Benjamin Robert Haydon and Sir Charles Bell.
History & Provenance
The drawing is inscribed 'Bell's', indicating it was made during an anatomy demonstration led by Sir Charles Bell at his premises in Soho, London. It is one of three surviving drawings by Landseer from this period, now held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Landseer was a British artist best known for his engravings and etchings, particularly those of paintings by his youngest brother Edwin Landseer.
