Portret van een hond 1879 - 1890

Albert Greiner captured this endearing portrait of a dog in the mid-19th century, a period marked by evolving social attitudes towards animals and burgeoning middle-class affections. During the 1800s, owning a dog was increasingly seen as a status symbol, especially among the bourgeoisie. This photograph offers an intimate glimpse into the sentimental relationships developing between humans and their pets. The small dog is elevated on a ornate table, its gaze soft and seemingly self-aware. Its refined presentation, contrasts starkly with the realities of working-class life at the time, where animals often served functional roles. Greiner's choice to portray the dog with such dignity speaks to the changing values of the era, subtly challenging traditional hierarchies and inviting viewers to consider new emotional bonds. It’s a tender reflection on domesticity and companionship.