Kop van een hond met de tong uit de bek 1879

This is Auguste Danse's 1895 print, "Head of a Dog with its Tongue Out", now at the Rijksmuseum. The dog, often seen as a symbol of fidelity and watchfulness, here takes on a slightly absurd quality. Its tongue lolling out, framed by a collar, speaks to a domesticated existence, yet hints at something more primal. Consider the age-old image of Cerberus, the multi-headed dog guarding the gates of the Underworld. Even in its grotesque form, Cerberus symbolizes protection and loyalty, traits we still associate with dogs today. This image connects to a broader cultural memory, in which animals act as guardians, guides, and companions. We are reminded that symbols constantly evolve, carrying echoes of the past while adapting to present sensibilities. They tap into our shared subconscious.