Poodle 1849 - 1858

This ceramic Poodle, made by the United States Pottery Company, presents a fascinating array of symbols, and is far more than a simple depiction of a domestic animal. Poodles, as symbols, have carried a multitude of meanings throughout history. Notice the basket of food in the dog's mouth. This is a motif that reappears across many eras and cultures, notably in Ancient Greek art where dogs were associated with loyalty and guardianship. Here, the poodle seems to guard the treats. But the dog's extravagant coiffure is also significant. It reminds us of Baroque-era aristocratic decadence and excess. This interplay is the essence of cultural memory. The image of the dog triggers a sense of longing, a deep-seated yearning for a simpler, more pastoral existence. The poodle’s image evolves, shifts, and resurfaces across time, colored by our collective dreams and fears. It is a mirror reflecting our ever-changing relationship with nature.