Terwijl Reinhart bij kaarslicht zit te schrijven komt zijn hond bij hem 1791 - 1798

This print by Reinier Vinkeles captures Reinhart writing by candlelight. The flame, a symbol of enlightenment and knowledge, flickers, drawing us into this intimate scene. Note the dog—a motif rich with historical and cultural significance. The dog, often seen as a symbol of loyalty and companionship, echoes through art history. We see it in ancient Roman mosaics as a guardian, and in Renaissance portraits as a sign of fidelity. Yet, its presence here, nestled close to Reinhart, suggests something deeper. It's a primal bond, an unspoken understanding between man and animal. The presence of the animal is a psychological anchor, grounding the writer in the present. As the candle illuminates Reinhart’s face, lost in thought, the dog becomes a symbol of the subconscious. The image taps into our collective memory, where dogs have long represented faithfulness, protection, and the comforts of home. It is a recurring motif, a 'pathos formula,' that has resurfaced and evolved across centuries, and is made new once again.