Hond kijkend in de spiegel 1797

"The Dog's First Sight of Himself" is an engraving by Nicolo Schiavonetti, created in 1797. The artwork depicts a young girl seated, gently petting a dog while simultaneously looking into a hand mirror. The reflection of the dog appears in the mirror, seemingly mirroring the girl's gaze. This artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, is an exquisite example of the Romantic period's focus on sentimentality and nature. The detailed engraving, with its subtle shades of grey, captures the tenderness of the scene. The interaction between the child and the dog, coupled with the dog's reflection, suggests themes of innocence, discovery, and the bond between humans and animals.