Zittende hond met kop naar rechts 1895

This is Frans Lebret’s “Zittende hond met kop naar rechts,” or “Sitting dog with head to the right,” created in 1895 with etching. Lebret was a Dutch artist born in 1820 and died in 1909. Dogs in art have a long history, often symbolizing loyalty, fidelity, and companionship. Within the domestic sphere, representations of dogs can speak to the social and emotional connections between humans and animals. The dog in this image is sitting, attentive. There is a certain alertness in its gaze. Dogs as symbols are interwoven with complex cultural attitudes. Through this simple portrait, Lebret invites us to consider the relationships we form with animals. The intimacy in the image prompts reflection on the emotional bonds we share, and the societal structures that shape those interactions.