To liggende hunde 1857

Johannes Wilhelm Zillen created this etching of two resting dogs, sometime between 1824 and 1870. Zillen lived in a period marked by significant social and political upheaval. The rapid industrialization and urbanization of Europe led to new class structures and social inequalities. Dogs, often seen as symbols of loyalty and companionship, here seem burdened by a sense of weariness. Look at the dog in front, its head turned away, a collar tightly around its neck. There is also a tangible softness in the rendering of their fur, which evokes a sense of empathy. The humble setting, indicated by the roughly sketched brick wall and wooden planks, underscores the everyday nature of the scene. Zillen seems to want to draw attention to the lives of ordinary creatures within their ordinary surroundings. The artwork invites reflection on themes of companionship, servitude, and the quiet dignity of life in the margins. What does it mean to capture this intimate moment, and what does it tell us about our relationship with the animals in our lives?