Honden 1880 - 1882

These sketches of dogs by George Hendrik Breitner capture the essence of loyalty, companionship, and the everyday life of urban environments. From ancient Egyptian depictions of jackals guiding souls to the afterlife, to the faithful hounds in Renaissance portraiture, dogs have symbolized fidelity and vigilance across cultures. Consider how Anubis's jackal head represented protection and guidance in the perilous journey to the afterlife, or how dogs were often included in family portraits of the Renaissance, signifying domestic harmony and loyalty. Breitner’s study reminds us that, at a subconscious level, the dog embodies a sense of primal loyalty that resonates deeply within us. The motif of the dog is not linear but cyclical, resurfacing and evolving, reminding us that even the most familiar symbols carry layers of historical and emotional weight.