Dog 

Philipp Rumpf made this watercolor image of a dog in 19th century Germany. We see the animal from behind, gazing upwards. The dog, a loyal companion, has been a mainstay in Western art for centuries. But here, the depiction of this particular animal and its relationship to a specific social class becomes the main focus. During the 1800s, dogs became increasingly popular as pets among the growing middle class. Images of pampered pooches signified wealth and domestic comfort. Rumpf’s dog, with its sleek coat and attentive gaze, would have resonated with the sensibilities of the emerging bourgeoisie, but the cropped tail and the utilitarian collar point to the working dog rather than the show dog. Art historians examine artists' biographies, social structures, and market economies to deepen our understanding of works like this one. By situating art within its complex historical context, we gain insight into the power dynamics and cultural values that shape artistic production.