Schetsen van een hond 1821 - 1886

This drawing by Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen captures dogs in quiet repose. The primary symbolic focus is on the dogs themselves, creatures long associated with loyalty, guardianship, and domesticity. Throughout art history, the dog has held complex associations. In ancient Greece, Cerberus guarded the gates of the underworld, while in Roman society, dogs were both beloved pets and symbols of fidelity. This duality persists; consider the faithful hound at the feet of medieval noblewomen in tomb effigies, emblems of marital devotion. The image of a sleeping animal speaks to vulnerability and trust. Think of the countless depictions of sleeping children throughout art history, evoking innocence and the protective instinct. Van der Brugghen's sleeping dogs tap into this same wellspring of emotion. These depictions invite us to reflect on our own bonds with animals, and the comfort they provide. This is the power of images: to stir deep-seated memories and feelings, connecting us to a shared human experience across time.