Liggende herdershond 1841 - 1857

Johan Daniël Koelman captured this reclining sheepdog in a simple drawing. The dog, a symbol of loyalty and guardianship, embodies more than just domestic virtue. The image of a dog dates back to ancient Egypt, where jackals were associated with the afterlife and protection. We find its echo in Cerberus, the multi-headed hound guarding the gates of the Underworld in Greek mythology. Over time, the dog’s symbolic role transformed. In medieval art, the dog could signify fidelity in marriage, as seen in portraits of noblewomen. Here, however, in its relaxed posture, the dog evokes more universal notions of companionship and watchfulness. The dog's presence taps into a deep-seated human need for connection and safety. The cyclical progression of the dog as a symbol shows how intertwined humanity and nature are, and how these images resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings through time.