Den dræbte and; Hunden ved stranden 1845

Adolph Kittendorff created this print, "The Killed Duck; The Dog by the Beach," capturing scenes rich with symbolism. On the left, the dead duck, surrounded by its young, speaks to mortality and vulnerability. Birds often symbolize the soul or spirit, and their depiction, particularly in death, evokes themes of loss and the transient nature of life. Contrast this with the image on the right: a dog perched by the beach, alert and vigilant. The dog, a symbol of loyalty and protection, stands guard, perhaps a watchful guardian against the very fate that befell the duck. Think of the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, a canine figure guiding souls. The contrast here resonates deeply. The dead bird stirs a primeval sense of empathy. The dog, through its faithful stance, offers a counterpoint, a visual promise of hope and resilience against the inevitable tides of life and death. This is the cyclical nature of existence, eternally resurfacing in our art.