En liggende hund 1866

J.A. Jerichau created this sculpture of a reclining dog. The canine, in its recumbent pose, evokes a sense of loyalty and guardianship, themes deeply rooted in our collective psyche. Consider the ancient world, where dogs were often depicted as protectors of the home and companions in the afterlife. This motif persists through the medieval period, appearing on tombs as symbols of faithfulness. But here, the dog's relaxed posture suggests a shift away from vigilance towards domesticity. Yet, we cannot ignore the powerful undercurrents. This image taps into a primal connection, the dog acting as a mirror to our own emotional states. Does the dog’s serene repose reflect a yearning for peace, or does it hint at a deeper, perhaps melancholic, resignation? Like a recurring dream, the symbol of the dog has resurfaced through time, each iteration coloured by the anxieties and aspirations of its age.