Portrait of a Jack Russel Terrier 

This is Carl Reichert's "Portrait of a Jack Russel Terrier," made sometime between 1836 and 1918, though the exact date of the artwork is unknown. Reichert lived in an era where portraiture was not just for people; it was a way to immortalize beloved animals, reflecting shifting attitudes towards pets as family members. The subtle details, from the gleam in the dog's eye to the ornate tag on its collar, speak volumes about its status and the owner's affection. But who gets to be represented, and how, is always a political question. The painting provides a lens into the social values of the time, where wealth and status extended even to our furry companions. The dog's gaze seems to ask: what does it mean to be 'owned,' to be loved, and to have one's image preserved for posterity? In a world where representation is power, this portrait challenges us to consider the complexities of our relationships with animals and each other.