Prøveplade: En hund 1899

Frans Schwartz made this small etching of a curled-up dog at an unknown date. Schwartz was born in Denmark in 1850, a time when artists often depicted animals to explore themes of domesticity, nature, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Looking at the image, we might consider how the dog's posture—curled tightly, head tucked—speaks to vulnerability and comfort. The fine lines of the etching emphasize the texture of the dog's fur, inviting us to imagine the sensation of touch. The dog's posture could also be read as an expression of the animal's subservient role, highlighting the power dynamics between humans and animals. There's a quiet intimacy in this piece. Schwartz captures a private moment of rest, inviting us to reflect on our own feelings of safety and belonging. Does the dog's vulnerability evoke a sense of empathy in you? What does this etching tell us about the way we perceive and interact with animals?