Oude vrouw praat tegen hond op bed 1846

Paul Gavarni created this print, now in the Rijksmuseum, using lithography. Here, we see an elderly woman addressing a dog in a bed. The dog, elevated to the position of a spoiled child, is a powerful emblem of changing social attitudes. Consider the motif of the domestic animal given human-like status; it echoes in ancient Egyptian art with deities depicted as animals and in classical myths like Cerberus. This elevation isn't merely whimsical; it signifies a deeper psychological shift. Animals often become surrogates, reflecting our anxieties and desires onto them. Throughout art history, the act of endowing animals with human traits has served as a projection screen for our deepest emotions. Gavarni’s portrayal of the dog taps into this long, cyclical tradition, where the animal represents a unique blend of companionship and emotional complexity. It reminds us of the continuous evolution of symbols, adapting to reflect our ever-changing inner lives.