Portret van een hond c. 1880 - 1900

This small photograph captures a dog, composed by E. Visser von Weeren. Sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia and antiquity. The dog sits formally, its head turned slightly to the left, creating a dynamic diagonal line that contrasts with the static vertical and horizontal lines of the photographic frame. The composition is structured around the dog's body, which serves as the focal point. The smooth gradation of tone in the backdrop creates depth, setting off the texture of the dog's fur. The collar is an interesting detail, made of small rounded geometrical forms repeated to generate its shape. Photographs such as this invite us to consider the relationship between representation and reality. It challenges us to think about how images construct meaning through careful formal arrangement. Is it merely a neutral record, or does it convey deeper social and cultural values? This portrait offers us a moment to reflect on how we perceive animals and the meanings we attach to them.