The Dog in the Manger (from John Ogilby, "Aesopics or a Second Colllection of Fables," 1668) 1666

"The Dog in the Manger" is a 1666 etching by the prolific Bohemian artist Wenceslaus Hollar. The print depicts a scene from Aesop's fable, where a dog, despite not being able to eat the hay, prevents an ox from doing so. Hollar's meticulous etching style captures the details of the barn interior, the ox's muscular form, and the dog's snarling expression. The image offers a commentary on the absurdity of selfishness and the futility of denying others basic needs. This print exemplifies Hollar's mastery of etching and his ability to convey complex narratives through detailed visual representation.