Hond voor een spiegel 1891

Auguste Danse created this etching called 'Dog in Front of a Mirror' in 1887. During this period, the role of pets, particularly dogs, evolved from mere utility to companions, mirroring shifts in social attitudes towards animals. Here, a curious dog peers into a mirror, its reflection gazing back, prompting a moment of self-recognition or perhaps confusion. The dog's identity, framed by the mirror, raises questions about perception, reality, and the construction of self. Is the dog aware of its own image, or does it perceive a stranger? This interaction challenges anthropocentric views, inviting contemplation on animal consciousness and subjectivity. The quiet domestic scene evokes an emotional connection, inviting us to consider our own reflections and interactions with the world. Danse encourages us to see animals not merely as pets, but as beings with their own experiences and identities.