Two Studies of a Dog: Seated and Scratching (from Sketchbook) 1835 - 1839

Francis William Edmonds made these two studies of a dog using graphite on paper during the 19th century. Notice how the dog is portrayed both in a state of alert stillness and in the midst of scratching. The act of scratching is an ancient gesture, one we find echoed across time and cultures. Think of the many depictions of figures in various states of distress or discomfort, their hands raised in a similar fashion, often signifying inner turmoil. The gesture transcends species, tapping into something primal. We recognize it because it resonates within us, perhaps unconsciously stirring memories of our own physical and emotional discomforts. The very act of observing these studies engages us on a deep level, reminding us of our shared experiences and the universal language of gesture that binds us across time and space. The dog scratching becomes not just an animalistic act, but a symbol of the human condition itself.