Lezende vrouw met hond c. 1679 - 1750

This is an engraving depicting a woman engrossed in reading, her little dog nestled beside her, preserved at the Rijksmuseum. The bond between humans and dogs, a symbol of fidelity and companionship, has roots stretching back to antiquity. We see dogs in ancient Egyptian art, often accompanying deities, evolving into loyal companions in Roman mosaics. Consider, too, the symbolic weight carried by dogs in Renaissance portraits, where they signify marital fidelity and loyalty. Here, the dog's presence isn't merely decorative; it embodies a profound, almost subconscious longing for connection and loyalty, a comforting presence amidst the solitude of reading. Notice how this image evokes a sense of introspection and quiet contemplation. The act of reading itself transforms into an intimate dialogue between the woman, her book, and her faithful companion. Thus, the symbol of the dog, deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, continues its non-linear progression, resurfacing in each new artistic expression.