Kop van een hond c. 1886s

George Hendrik Breitner captured this head of a dog in a simple drawing. In antiquity, the dog, with its unwavering loyalty, often symbolized fidelity and guardianship. We see this echoed across cultures, from the watchful Cerberus guarding the gates of the underworld in Greek mythology to the faithful dogs depicted in Roman domestic art, emblems of loyalty. Even in medieval tapestries, dogs often appear at the feet of noble figures, embodying fealty and protection. Yet, here, the dog's gaze evokes something more intimate. The dog’s eyes, rendered with such delicate shading, draw us into a space of empathy. This intimate, emotional connection reminds us of the ancient bond between humans and animals, a relationship rooted in trust, companionship, and perhaps, a shared vulnerability. This image is a potent reminder of the enduring, cyclical nature of our emotional connections.