Kop van hazewindhond 1849

This is Jan Karel Jacob de Jonge’s etching of a greyhound's head. Consider the dog, an animal that has been man's companion since antiquity. Dogs appear in art across eras and cultures, often symbolizing fidelity, protection, and guidance. Think of Cerberus, the multi-headed hound guarding the gates of the Underworld in Greek mythology. His fearsome representation ensured the souls could never leave the realm of Hades. Here, in this more intimate portrait, the greyhound's gaze strikes a deeply resonant chord. The fidelity associated with dogs taps into a primal part of our psyche. It connects to our collective memories of companionship and loyalty. The image is less about the individual animal and more about the archetypal idea of guardianship and affection. As we contemplate this image, we're reminded of the cyclical nature of symbols, echoing through the corridors of time.