-Seated Spaniel Dog- still bank c. 20th century

This painted cast iron still bank of a seated spaniel dog was created by an anonymous artist. These types of banks gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the rise of consumer culture. The dog, with its pleading eyes and outstretched paws, evokes feelings of loyalty. But let’s not overlook the lock around its neck. Is it a symbol of security? Or does it hint at themes of ownership and control? This raises questions about power dynamics and the ways in which affection can be intertwined with constraint. The anonymous nature of the artist invites us to consider the narratives embedded in everyday objects, and how they subtly shape our perceptions. Does this innocent looking object normalize certain social hierarchies, or does it offer a commentary on them? As you gaze at this spaniel, consider the complexities of attachment, and the unspoken contracts that bind us.