Hond liggend bij een kruiwagen 1617 - 1681

Cornelis Saftleven sketched this dog lying by a wheelbarrow, using what appears to be graphite. The dog, in its relaxed posture, is a symbol of loyalty and domesticity, yet its presence next to the wheelbarrow, an instrument of labor, introduces an interesting duality. Consider how dogs have appeared in art across various epochs, from the loyal companions in ancient Roman mosaics to the symbolic guardians in Renaissance portraits. Their depiction often reflects the values and anxieties of the cultures that create them. In the collective subconscious, the dog represents both the wild, untamed spirit and the epitome of faithfulness. Saftleven captures this contrast, inviting us to reflect on our complex relationship with the animal kingdom. The wheelbarrow, a tool for physical labor, serves as a reminder of our connection to the land. This seemingly simple sketch carries a weight of cultural memory, reminding us of the intertwined destinies of humans and animals. It's a motif that continues to resurface, each time colored by new historical and emotional contexts.