Zittende hond 1565 - 1630

"Zittende hond" was etched by Antonio Tempesta, around the turn of the 17th century. The small print depicts a seated dog, its body and face covered with long hair. During Tempesta's lifetime, Europe was undergoing significant social changes.The Protestant Reformation had challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, and the rise of humanism emphasized individual potential. Dogs at this time were not just animals, they were symbols of status, wealth, and companionship, often reflecting the identities of their owners. The dog's human-like eyes invite us to see beyond its animal nature. Does the dog represent the era's emphasis on individualism, challenging traditional representations of animals as mere property? Or does the dog’s gaze invite us to consider the bond between humans and animals? Tempesta’s detailed rendering captures the essence of a changing world and its complex relationship with the natural world.