Zittende hond Possibly 1864 - 1884

Editor: Here we have Leonard Stollenwerk's photograph, "Zittende Hond," likely taken between 1864 and 1884, a gelatin-silver print portraying a seated dog. There's a formality to it, almost like a human portrait. What catches your eye about this image? Curator: This piece speaks volumes about the emerging social status of pets and the rise of photography in the mid-19th century. The carefully composed setting and the dog's dignified pose suggest an attempt to imbue the animal with human-like qualities, reflecting Victorian-era sensibilities. Who was this photograph for, and what role did images play in solidifying social hierarchies? Editor: It’s interesting to think about how the act of photographing a dog elevated its status. Was this a common practice? Curator: Exactly. It was becoming increasingly common among the middle and upper classes. Photographs like this became tools for displaying status, and pets became a symbol of domestic comfort and even a proxy for the family itself. Were pets displayed proudly like this in paintings as well? Editor: Yes, but photography made portraiture more accessible and perhaps more democratic in some ways, at least for pet owners. Curator: True, and we should also consider the institutions enabling and circulating such images. Photographic studios arose as businesses, framing pet portraiture as a commercial and artistic opportunity. How did they capitalize on that trend, would you say? Editor: I imagine these studios normalized pet portraits, creating a market by showcasing these kinds of images. It's all interwoven – social status, technological advancement, and market forces. Curator: Precisely. And this one photograph encapsulates that intersection beautifully. I will definitely keep my eye out for more images of domestic animals moving forward. Editor: Me too! This has really shifted my perspective.