Bull Terrier 1875 - 1900

This anonymous sculpture of a Bull Terrier, residing here at the Art Institute of Chicago, presents us with a fascinating study in animal symbolism and domestication. The dog, sculpted with remarkable attention to its stout form and alert posture, wears a studded collar, an emblem of ownership and control but, simultaneously, also of care and belonging. Throughout history, the dog has been mythologized as a guardian, a hunter, and a companion. From the jackal-headed god Anubis in ancient Egypt, who guided souls through the underworld, to Cerberus, the multi-headed hound guarding the gates of Hades in Greek mythology. The act of adorning the dog with a collar can be traced back to ancient practices, a parallel to human adornment. Think of how we embellish ourselves with symbols of status and identity. This dog, poised between wild instinct and domesticated life, embodies a complex negotiation of power. The image resonates with deep, primal forces, tapping into our understanding of loyalty, protection, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. It is a motif of constant return.