Hondenrassen 1750 - 1820

This print titled "Hondenrassen" presents an array of dog breeds. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural values attributed to these animals at the time. Dogs, of course, have long been entwined with human society. The choice of which breeds to depict, however, is always culturally determined. During the Enlightenment, as scientific classification gained prominence, there was a growing interest in categorizing and understanding the natural world, including the varieties of domestic animals. This print reflects the desire to catalogue and classify different types of dogs according to their physical characteristics and presumed traits. Consider how different breeds might have been associated with certain social classes or activities. Were particular breeds favored by the aristocracy as companions or hunting partners, thereby becoming symbols of wealth and status? How might this visual taxonomy reinforce or challenge existing social hierarchies? This print not only offers insight into the natural history of dogs, but also serves as a mirror reflecting the social values and cultural priorities of the era.