Poedel en schaap 1828 - 1831

Frédéric Théodore Faber made this print, "Poodle and Sheep," using etching. The two animals rest in separate panels, each rendered with meticulous detail, yet each evokes different social meanings. Consider the cultural status of these animals in early 19th-century Europe. Poodles, with their elaborate haircuts, were symbols of luxury and high society, often depicted as pampered companions of the wealthy. Sheep, on the other hand, represented pastoral simplicity and agricultural wealth. The etching captures these distinctions. The poodle lounges like a lion, while the sheep lies more humbly on the ground. The placement of these two animals on the same sheet might serve as a subtle commentary on social stratification, reflecting the artist's observations of the societal roles and values assigned to different creatures. To fully appreciate Faber's work, researchers can look into the period's agricultural practices and the evolving roles of domestic animals in European households and art. The meaning of art always depends on its social and institutional context.