Man met hond en stok c. 1822 - 1827

This silver artwork presents a man with a dog and a stick, crafted by Gijsbert Barbiers. The dog, ever the loyal companion, stands steadfast, a symbol deeply rooted in human history across countless cultures. The bond between man and dog extends back to antiquity, seen in ancient Egyptian art and Greco-Roman sculptures. This relationship transcends mere utility; it speaks to loyalty, protection, and an unspoken emotional connection. One can't help but recall Argus, Odysseus's faithful dog, who recognized his master after twenty years. The persistence of this symbol suggests a fundamental, perhaps subconscious, human need for companionship and unwavering support. Such archetypes reveal our deep-seated, primal desires, resurfacing through generations, each time colored by the nuances of its era.