Sofonisba (or Artemisia) 1744

Francesco Fontebasso crafted this print, portraying either Sofonisba Anguissola or Artemisia Gentileschi, two celebrated female artists. Note the opulence that surrounds the figure, from the lion-headed throne to the servants attending to her every need. Here, dogs are present as symbols of loyalty and domesticity. In antiquity, they were emblems of fidelity and vigilance, often depicted alongside goddesses like Diana, the huntress. But consider the image of Actaeon, transformed into a stag and torn apart by his own hounds, a stark reminder of the darker aspects of the animal. Over time, the dog has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning. This speaks to the way collective memory and subconscious processes may have affected the production and interpretation of the motif. It engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, with the image of the dog conveying intense emotional states. This non-linear progression shows how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.