Liggende hond 1841 - 1848

Johannes Tavenraat made this expressive drawing, "Liggende Hond," with pen in gray ink, around 1841. Tavenraat lived through a tumultuous period in European history, witnessing the rise of industrialization and shifting social structures following the Napoleonic era. Dogs, often symbols of loyalty and companionship, were also deeply embedded in the social hierarchy. In this light, "Liggende Hond" invites us to reflect on the intersections of class, labor, and identity. Is this animal a pampered pet, or a working dog whose life is dictated by its master's needs? The dog is captured in a vulnerable, inverted pose. Tavenraat's choice to depict the animal in such a way prompts a broader consideration of power dynamics. "Liggende Hond" uses a seemingly simple image to evoke a complex interplay of emotions and reflections on the social fabric of its time.