De to venner 1845

Adolph Kittendorff created this print called "De to venner" – "The Two Friends" – in Denmark, sometime in the mid-19th century. It depicts a large dog lying protectively next to a smaller one, perhaps a puppy. In this period, images of animals were increasingly common, reflecting changing attitudes toward nature and domesticity. The rise of the middle class created a demand for sentimental scenes of pets, suggesting a certain level of comfort and emotional connection. The print’s intimate scale suggests that it was intended for private contemplation, perhaps displayed in a domestic setting. The Staatens Museum for Kunst, where it is currently housed, plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of Danish art history, and provides the institutional context for understanding this work today. To fully appreciate Kittendorff's work, we can consult period publications, exhibition catalogs, and social histories to understand the cultural values that shaped its creation and reception. What did friendship mean to the artist? It’s fascinating how social context illuminates our understanding.