Verschillende hondenrassen 1881

This print by De Ruyter & Meijer presents a variety of dog breeds, each within a setting suggestive of its purpose. Consider the "St. Bernardshond," portrayed in snow, its rescue mission underscored by the horseshoe—a symbol often associated with luck, protection, and warding off evil. The horseshoe's symbolism, while seemingly straightforward, echoes through history, reappearing in varied contexts. From ancient Roman apotropaic uses to its later Christian adoption as a symbol of Saint Dunstan's triumph over the devil, the horseshoe's journey is a testament to its enduring psychological power. Its arch shape, mirroring the protective vault of the heavens, taps into our deep-seated desire for security and divine favor. Here, the image offers not merely a breed, but a carrier of emotional weight, reminding us how such symbols are embedded in our collective memory. The appeal lies in the subconscious recognition of inherited beliefs and cultural narratives. It speaks to the cyclical nature of symbols, constantly re-emerging and adapting across time.