Auguste Danse created this print called 'Kop van een maltezer' using etching, a technique favored for its ability to capture fine detail. Danse was part of a generation that saw rapid social change and the rise of the middle class, so this portrait of a Maltese dog offers a glimpse into the era’s values and aesthetics. Notice how the dog's gaze meets yours, creating an intimate connection. In the 19th century, pets—especially small, fluffy breeds like the Maltese—became symbols of domesticity and status. They were often depicted in art to convey the virtues of comfort and loyalty. The bourgeoisie saw these pets as extensions of their own identities and values. Does this image challenge or reinforce prevailing social norms?