DOG 1909

Alexander Calder crafted this Dog sculpture from sheet metal, conjuring a primal form. Here, the dog isn't just a pet, it's a symbol deeply embedded in our collective psyche. The figure of the dog, throughout art history, recurs as a guardian and a guide. Think of Cerberus, the multi-headed hound guarding the gates of the Underworld, or the loyal canine companions depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs. Calder's abstracted form strips away the sentimentality often associated with dogs. Yet, the gesture of the raised head, seemingly mid-bark, evokes a protective vigilance. This posture resonates across cultures, from the alert Anubis in Egyptian art, poised between worlds, to the watchful dogs in Renaissance paintings, symbolizing fidelity. The dog's bark, a call to attention, echoes through time. Perhaps, on a subconscious level, we respond to this symbol, recognizing its enduring role as a guardian, a protector, a steadfast presence in the human experience. The echoes of the past are often found in the present.