Nicoll Havens Dering 1871

Daniel Huntington captured young Nicoll Havens Dering in paint on canvas. The inclusion of the dog is no mere decorative choice. In antiquity, dogs symbolized fidelity and guardianship, often appearing in Roman funerary art as emblems of loyalty extending beyond life. This motif persisted, evolving through Renaissance portraiture, where dogs indicated marital fidelity and familial devotion. Think of Jan van Eyck’s "Arnolfini Portrait," where the dog embodies marital faithfulness. Here, it suggests the child's protected innocence and the family's cultivated virtues, echoing those ancient Roman ideals but filtered through centuries of cultural refinement. The dog serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's enduring bond with the animal world, reflecting our deepest needs for companionship and protection. It's fascinating to observe how, across millennia, this symbol retains its emotional potency, adapting to each era's psychological landscape.