Zwarte en witte hond 1886 - 1897

Christiaan Lodewijk van Kesteren created this print of a black and white dog, titles "Zwarte en witte hond", sometime in the 19th century. During this time, class was expressed through highly visible signs, and the ownership of specific dog breeds was no exception. Consider this image as more than a simple representation of pets. It subtly hints at the prevailing social hierarchies of the time. The contrast of a black dog and a white dog fighting over a bone, becomes a narrative of competition and perhaps even a reflection on racial and class dynamics. How might the dogs' breeds and their perceived values play into this interpretation? The image offers a glimpse into the negotiation of power, where even the most domestic scenes could echo larger societal tensions. It invites us to consider the ways in which we project our own biases and understandings onto the world around us.