Hondenmarkt in Brussel 1874 - 1894

Norbert Goeneutte created this print called 'Hondenmarkt in Brussel' with etching around the late 19th century. Goeneutte’s work often captures scenes of urban life, subtly engaging with the social fabric of his time. Consider the historical context: the late 1800s were a period of industrial expansion and social stratification, with the rise of the bourgeoisie class also came stark class divisions and social issues. The “dog market” wasn’t merely a place of commerce; it was a social theater. One might reflect on the lives of those who frequented such markets, and on the varied relationships between humans and animals across different social strata. How does Goeneutte portray their humanity, and how does the setting reflect the social and economic realities of Brussels at that time? There is a tension between documentation and commentary which invites us to look closely at the intersections of class, labor, and urban life.