En stående hund 1857

Johannes Wilhelm Zillen made this small print of a standing dog with etching. This image speaks to the 19th-century fascination with animals, particularly as symbols of loyalty and companionship. In the context of Denmark at that time, dogs were often associated with the aristocracy and country estates, reflecting a social hierarchy and a connection to rural life. The cultural references to hunting and working dogs would have resonated with certain segments of society. Looking at this image, we might ask: what does it tell us about social status, or the relationship between humans and animals in 19th-century Denmark? What was Zillen trying to say about Danish society, through the depiction of this particular animal? To understand this print fully, it would be helpful to research the history of dogs in Danish society, and perhaps look into the artist's other works and social background. This way we can examine not only the image itself, but the cultural and institutional forces at play.