Kop van een bloedhond 1884

Louis van Engelen created this etching of a bloodhound's head. Born in the mid-19th century, van Engelen operated within a society deeply structured by class and burgeoning discussions around race and identity. This image isn't just a portrait of a dog; it reflects the cultural values of the time. Bloodhounds, with their keen sense of smell, were historically used for tracking, including enslaved people escaping plantations. This imbues the image with complex layers of meaning. Does the image celebrate the dog's skill, or does it implicitly acknowledge the troubling history of its use? The bloodhound's noble, melancholic gaze invites empathy. It challenges us to consider the perspectives of non-human beings, while the dog's historical associations force a confrontation with difficult aspects of human history. It prompts us to reflect on our relationships with animals, our past, and the stories we choose to tell.