Slapende hond 1809 - 1859

Pieter de Goeje made this print of a sleeping dog sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It’s rendered in a highly polished style, and at first glance it might seem merely sentimental. But we can also consider how the image operates within a specific cultural and institutional setting. In the Netherlands during the 1800s, middle-class values were becoming increasingly important. This print embodies these values by showing a domestic animal in a state of peaceful repose, connoting safety and security. In fact, prints like these were often hung in the home, reflecting the increasing importance of the domestic sphere. To get a better sense of this, we might consult popular magazines or domestic advice manuals from the period. These sources can help us understand how images like this one contributed to the construction of bourgeois life. By placing the artwork in its social context, we can come to a richer understanding of its meaning and impact.