Wasferman 1821

Christian David Gebauer created this print of "Wasferman" using engraving techniques in Denmark, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. In this period, the Danish art world was closely tied to the royal court and the academy. Artists often found patronage through portraiture or depictions of the aristocracy's leisure activities, hunting being one of them. Dog breeds, especially those favored by the elite, became symbols of status and refined taste. The image subtly reinforces prevailing social hierarchies, linking ownership of such a dog to notions of class and privilege. To fully appreciate this print, one might delve into the history of Danish dog breeding, consult estate records, or explore family portraits of the period. By understanding the broader social context, we reveal the complex meanings embedded within a seemingly simple image.