Portret van een hond c. 1860 - 1880

Editor: We are looking at "Portret van een hond," or "Portrait of a Dog," a gelatin silver print photograph taken circa 1860 to 1880 by Christaan Marcussen. I find its formality quite striking, even charming. What social conventions were in play that elevated a dog to the level of portraiture? Curator: That’s an excellent question! This photograph reflects the increasing sentimental value placed on pets, particularly dogs, during the Victorian era. The rise of the middle class and the accompanying ideals of domesticity contributed to the humanization of animals, and representing them in formal portraits like this was a way to publicly display that emotional connection and social standing. Consider how royal portraits often include dogs as symbols of loyalty and nobility – this echoes those traditions. Editor: So it's less about the dog itself, and more about what it represents for the owner? How were images like this displayed and consumed back then? Curator: Precisely! These smaller portraits, often albumen or gelatin silver prints, were frequently kept in albums or displayed in the home as a form of social currency. The very act of commissioning and owning such an image indicated a certain level of affluence and a dedication to contemporary social trends. The photograph's aesthetic is very much shaped by Victorian photographic conventions with the formal pose and studio backdrop reminiscent of human portraiture. What do you think it meant to immortalize a pet this way? Editor: I suppose it highlights the complex relationship between humans and animals, doesn't it? It is so different from today’s candid pet pics. Thanks, that has made me appreciate it in a totally new way. Curator: Indeed. This photo reveals shifting societal values through what may appear to be just a simple dog portrait. I find myself reflecting on how our public displays of affection have changed so dramatically.