Reu en teef 1661 - 1711

This etching, *Reu en teef*, was created by an anonymous artist. The image depicts a pair of dogs in the midst of mating. The act of pairing, especially within the animal kingdom, has long been a subject of fascination and contemplation across various cultures. In the absence of a known artist, we might interpret this artwork through the lens of broader societal attitudes towards sexuality, fertility, and the natural world. What does it mean to depict this raw, unfiltered moment of animal instinct? Perhaps the artist sought to capture a sense of natural harmony, where the roles of male and female are clearly defined and instinctually understood. Or the artist was observing a natural spectacle that in its most basic essence would lead to the creation of new life. Ultimately, *Reu en teef* invites us to reflect on our own perceptions of nature, desire, and the fundamental drives that shape both the animal and human experience.