Spaniel staande in een landschap 1780 - 1855

Jan Dasveldt made this drawing of a spaniel in a landscape in the Netherlands, sometime between the late 18th and mid-19th century. It offers a glimpse into the evolving relationship between humans and animals, and the rising popularity of pet ownership among the middle classes. Notice how the spaniel, rendered with careful attention to its coat and stance, dominates the composition against a hazy background. This reflects a shift in artistic focus towards more domestic subjects, mirroring a broader societal trend. The Dutch Republic, with its mercantile wealth and urban centers, fostered a unique environment where art catered to a growing bourgeoisie, eager to display their status and affections through paintings and drawings of their beloved pets. Understanding this artwork requires us to consider the social history of pet ownership, the economic conditions that supported artistic production, and the evolving role of animals in human society. By consulting period literature, market reports, and artists’ biographies, we can understand the image better. Art provides a window into the changing values and priorities of a society.