Bello 1821

Christian David Gebauer made this print, titled 'Bello', sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The image presents us with a dog, depicted in profile. The breed is difficult to ascertain, but we can imagine 'Bello' as a companion animal to someone of means in Denmark at the time. Animal portraiture was becoming increasingly popular across Europe, reflecting a growing sentimentality towards domestic animals and nature, but also signalling the wealth and status of the owner who could commission such a work. In decoding the image, art historians might research the changing roles of animals in European society, analyzing literature, paintings, and social trends to understand this cultural shift. We consider how art reflects and shapes our relationships with the world around us.