An Old Maid on a Journey 1804

This satirical print, "An Old Maid on a Journey," was etched by James Gillray in the late 18th century. Here, we see an entourage, presumably off to a wedding. But observe the woman clutching a small dog, a symbol echoing through art history. The dog, often seen as a symbol of fidelity, here takes on a poignant twist. In ancient Greece, dogs were associated with Hecate, a deity linked to the liminal spaces between life and death, and often depicted as a guide. The old maid, on her journey, may be seen as navigating her own liminal space, seeking companionship in a society that prizes marriage. Is she seeking passage from one stage of life to another? The emotional undertones of this image are powerful. The longing for connection, the anxiety of being on the margins—these resonate deeply, speaking to the universal human experience of seeking belonging. We're reminded that symbols shift, yet the emotions they evoke remain timeless.