Staande hond met de tong uit de bek 1815 - 1860

Abraham Hendrik Winter created this small drawing of a standing dog with the tongue out of its mouth. Here we have a familiar domestic scene. The dog, a symbol of loyalty and companionship, stands with a bell around its neck. This image hearkens back to ancient Egyptian depictions of dogs as guardians and protectors, evolving through time from symbols of vigilance to emblems of faithfulness in domestic life. Consider, for instance, the dogs in Renaissance paintings, often included to signify marital fidelity or loyalty to one’s master. The slightly protruding tongue, a detail that adds a touch of vulnerability and realism, invites a connection on a more intimate level. Such imagery taps into our collective memory, evoking a sense of comfort and recognition. It’s a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between humans and animals, a theme that resurfaces throughout art history, each time colored by the cultural nuances of its age.