Dimensions: height 155 mm, width 143 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Here we have a drawing of a seated dog, made by Jacques Jordaens. Notice the somber, drooping head of the animal. The dog, as a symbol, carries a rich, often contradictory weight through history. On one hand, it represents fidelity, guidance, and vigilance, virtues deeply cherished since antiquity. But on the other, it can symbolize base instincts, and even degradation, depending on the cultural context. Think of Cerberus, the multi-headed hound guarding the gates of the Underworld in Greek mythology. Yet, here, the dog's posture evokes a sense of melancholy. In the dog’s downcast eyes, we perhaps see a reflection of human anxieties. The history of symbols is not linear. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, shaped by the currents of our collective memory and the undercurrents of our subconscious.
Dogs are everywhere, sniffing or barking, in paintings by the Flemish artist Jacob Jordaens. In this case he even drew a pregnant one. Her heavy belly hangs on the ground, and yet she remains upright leaning on her forelegs. This dog is probably a short-haired Vizsla, recognizable by the smooth coat and floppy ears. This breed of hunting dog was known for its excellent nose and tenacity in pointing and retrieving.
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