Fotoreproductie van detail van een fresco naar Simone Martini in de Santa Maria Novella te Florence, Italië 1857 - 1900

This is a photographic reproduction by Fratelli Alinari of a fresco detail by Simone Martini, found in the Santa Maria Novella in Florence. At first glance, the fresco presents a gathering of religious and secular figures, but it's the symbolism embedded within that truly speaks. Notice the dogs nestled at the feet of the clergy: these animals, emblems of fidelity, were often employed to convey the Church's role as a steadfast guardian. We find iterations of this motif across epochs, from ancient Roman depictions of loyal canines to medieval tapestries. It is clear that these symbols resonate with the collective memory of audiences across time. Here, the presence of the dog touches something deeper, a primal connection to loyalty and protection. The image creates a powerful, subconscious link between faith, faithfulness, and our most ancient companions. The way these symbols resurface and evolve demonstrates a non-linear, cyclical progression and their ability to take on new meanings in different historical contexts.