[Miss Macrae of Inverinate, Wife of Horatio Ross] 1858

This portrait of Miss Macrae of Inverinate, wife of Horatio Ross, was made using an early photographic technique in the 19th century. Note her tight grip on what appears to be a small dog. This embrace speaks to the cultural significance of pets as symbols of loyalty and companionship, a motif echoed through centuries of art. We see it echoed in ancient Egyptian depictions of cats, symbols of grace and protection, and Renaissance portraits featuring lapdogs as emblems of domestic fidelity. Consider, though, how the meaning has subtly shifted. In earlier eras, such symbols reinforced social order and religious beliefs. By the Victorian era, the emphasis is more on personal sentiment and emotional connection. This transformation reveals how the collective unconscious shapes and reshapes symbols. It highlights our persistent need for connection and affection. It is a powerful visual and deeply human desire, constantly resurfacing in art.