Blad met twee platen: rennende hond en luipaard 1740 - 1745

This is a print by Johan Eric Rehn, dating back to the 18th century, featuring a running dog and a leopard. Note how the dog, a symbol of loyalty and domestication, is depicted in full stride, leaping over what appears to be a rough patch of land. This contrasts starkly with the leopard, which is shown reclining, exuding a sense of untamed power and latent aggression. The juxtaposition of these animals – the dog, ever the faithful companion, and the leopard, a symbol of wildness and ferocity – speaks to a deeper psychological tension. It is reminiscent of the dual nature within us all, the struggle between our civilized selves and our primal instincts. Consider how these animals have been portrayed throughout history. The dog, often idealized, and the leopard, a symbol of both beauty and danger. Rehn captures them both, inviting us to contemplate the delicate balance between control and instinct that defines our human experience.