Dog Sleeping on Pavers at a Man's Feet c. 1830

Antoine Jean Duclaux created this small etching, "Dog Sleeping on Pavers at a Man's Feet," at an unknown date. Duclaux, living in 19th-century France, witnessed a society undergoing massive shifts driven by industrialization and urbanization. This image, seemingly simple, captures a moment laden with social commentary. We see the dog, vulnerable and at rest, juxtaposed against the looming presence of a man and a horse. The pavers underfoot speak to the rapidly changing urban landscape, a space where animals, humans, and industry intersect. The dog’s vulnerability raises questions about power dynamics and the roles assigned within society. Is the dog a pet, a working animal, or something else entirely? Duclaux uses the etching to explore the everyday realities and hidden hierarchies that shape our shared spaces, inviting us to reflect on the emotional connections between humans, animals, and the evolving world around them.