Man verstopt zich voor een hond in een kast 1868 - 1907

Curator: Oh my goodness, this is delightful! The dynamism is spectacular. Editor: Indeed. We're looking at a pen and ink drawing from the late 19th century by Alfred Michael Roedstad Schmidt. It's called "Man verstopt zich voor een hond in een kast," or, "Man hiding from a dog in a closet." Curator: That closet must be full of regrets, because that's no cuddly pup! This dog is on a mission; you can almost hear him barking and snuffling under the door. It's such a brilliant capture of comic tension. The whole picture makes me laugh a little and feel nervous. Editor: Well, genre paintings were having a bit of a moment in this period. They often reflect social anxieties, but this... this could just be about a genuine fear of canines. Though I think one cannot see these sort of images and ignore the history of dogs being used as tools to dominate in particular contexts. It may reflect on deeper power dynamics if one reflects on those contexts. Curator: I appreciate the socio-political underpinnings. But maybe the man's just borrowed his neighbor’s bone without asking and is dealing with his consequences? What I admire is how Schmidt makes an energetic scene using only a few bold lines and the most effective coloring choice, blue! Look how economical is his line-work; everything you need is right there, nothing more. Editor: True, that sparse quality gives it a real immediacy, like a news clipping sketched live from the scene. You've also got this great contrast: the implied chaos versus the rather rigid composition of the architecture. That adds to the whole comical appeal, doesn’t it? And speaking about societal power, can we even ignore this in a room where a 'domestic animal' has dominated even domestic architecture by driving his 'master' away, locking him up even behind what would seem a relatively solid defense. Curator: Absolutely. The closet, usually a space of order and safety, becomes a prison in this domestic farce. I might start hiding my socks, but this fellow has bigger things to worry about! Editor: It's funny how a seemingly simple drawing can unravel into something richer and more insightful. I see the dog not just as a comic figure but also, like you say, a mirror reflecting power and disruption. Curator: And sometimes, I'll wager, it is just about trying to avoid a very energetic dog! But you're right. Thanks for turning my initial reaction into something much more, with all its many historical facets.