A large griffonnage 1814

Orest Kiprensky made this large griffonnage, or sketch, around 1814. Look closely and you will see a dog’s head drawn with great care. The dog, often seen as a symbol of fidelity and vigilance, can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where jackals were associated with the afterlife. Over time, the dog became a protector, a guide, and a companion. Here, the dog's alert gaze and noble bearing evoke a sense of watchfulness, a silent guardian overseeing the other figures in the sketch. This is especially clear when we consider the other portraits as symbolic. The elderly man’s sagacity, the pensive child's innocence. These archetypes touch upon the collective unconscious. Together, they resurface throughout art history, evolving and adapting to new cultural contexts, yet always retaining a primal connection to our shared human experience.