Vos en twee honden before 1650

Antonio Tempesta made this print, "Fox and Two Dogs," using etching, likely in the late 16th or early 17th century. It's a seemingly simple image: on the left, a fox carries a bird in its mouth, while on the right, two dogs stand together, one resting its head on the other. But the image tells us a lot about the social role of animals. During this period, prints were often used to disseminate knowledge and moral lessons, especially about the natural world. Notice how the fox and dogs are rendered with detailed musculature, almost like classical sculptures. This elevation of animals to the level of high art reflects a growing interest in natural history and scientific classification. The contrast between the cunning fox and the loyal dogs also speaks to contemporary social values. Foxes were often associated with trickery, while dogs symbolized fidelity and service. To understand this print more fully, we can look at emblem books, bestiaries, and other illustrated texts that circulated at the time. These resources help us understand how images not only reflect but also shape our understanding of the world.