Dode hond 1773 - 1843

Georges Michel sketched this haunting 'Dead Dog' with graphite. The dog, depicted in a state of lifeless repose, transcends mere mortality to become a symbol, deeply rooted in our collective memory. Consider the jackal-headed Anubis from ancient Egyptian funerary rites, a psychopomp guiding souls, or Cerberus, the multi-headed hound guarding Hades in Greek mythology. These archetypes echo across time and cultures, each representing a symbolic guardian. The dog, in death, becomes a poignant reminder of transience, a universal symbol of loss and the ephemeral nature of life. Michel's sketch subtly taps into a collective subconscious, evoking profound emotional responses. The image serves as a stark reminder of our mortality, inviting reflection on the cyclical nature of life and death that has been a preoccupation for humanity since time immemorial.