Kop en voorpoten van een blaffende hond 1670 - 1714

This anonymous print captures the essence of canine ferocity through the barking dog's head and forepaws. The image delves into the complex symbolism of the dog, a creature often associated with loyalty, vigilance, but also aggression. Consider Cerberus, the multi-headed hound of Hades, who guards the gates of the underworld. Like Cerberus, this dog embodies the role of a guardian, yet its bared teeth evoke a primal fear. The emotional intensity of the image draws us in; its psychological power lies in its ability to tap into our collective memory, reminding us of the dog's multifaceted role as protector and threat. Such images have a life of their own. The motif of the snarling guardian reappears through the ages, each time imbued with new meaning.