Hond met haar puppy's 1830 - 1846

Joannes Willem Vos created this print called 'Dog with her puppies'. During the 19th century, there was an increasing emphasis on domesticity, family values and sentimentalism. Animals, particularly dogs, were often used to mirror and reinforce human emotions and social structures. Here, the protective stance of the mother dog and the vulnerability of her puppies evoke a sense of familial tenderness. The image is complicated by the dog wearing a studded collar, suggesting domestication and servitude. We are confronted with the intersection of nature and culture, exploring the complex relationships between humans and animals, and the ways in which these relationships reflect broader social and economic dynamics. This piece invites us to consider how representations of animals can tell us about human values, and the subtle ways in which power and affection are negotiated within domestic spaces.