Pudelhunden 1845

Curator: This lithograph is titled "Pudelhunden," created in 1845 by Adolph Kittendorff. It is now held at the SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark. Editor: It's quite striking, isn't it? My initial impression is a sense of watchful calm. There is a quietness to the image, as if the dog is standing guard. Curator: It's important to note that the poodle in the 19th century Denmark served varied roles—beyond just companionship. Considering societal hierarchy and breed perception back then sheds light on how Kittendorff positions this particular animal within its social and cultural milieu. Editor: Yes, look at the density of line, the cross-hatching, which conveys such rich texture of fur and physicality! And the way the artist used engraving to define musculature suggests a focus on the dog's working ability more than breeding. The backdrop hints at rudimentary shelter suggesting perhaps a farm, or a guard post rather than a plush interior of a house. Curator: I think that your comment really drives to the forefront is that idea of labor, and where an animal sits inside of the labour dynamic inside 19th-century European social structure. The image becomes a study of work, social standing, class, and animal exploitation Editor: Indeed, thinking of the social dynamics of class during that time allows to investigate what place this dog really occupies. What's truly fascinating for me are the materials themselves –lithography democratized printmaking; it made it possible for images, including these canine portraits, to circulate widely Curator: Absolutely, this work reflects a period where societal structure are evolving, impacting notions of identity, the human-animal divide, even domestic spaces, so such art becomes crucial in unpacking prevailing assumptions of the time. Editor: Seeing Kittendorff's work with a material lens reveals so much about both artistic production and this period. It's more than just an image of a dog. Curator: Precisely, art provides critical insight when situated with awareness of intersectional identities and politics relevant back then. Editor: I have gained insight here concerning production; considering all levels adds to the overall artistic and historical narrative.