Hond 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this ink drawing of a dog in the Netherlands sometime in the 19th century. During this time, there was a huge rise in the popularity of domestic animals as sentimental subjects in art. Dogs in particular were powerful symbols of wealth and status. They represented not just companionship but also a particular kind of cultured domesticity that was becoming increasingly important to the rising middle classes. The relatively informal style and small scale of this artwork suggests it was likely a study rather than a finished exhibition piece. But in its way, it still speaks to a social trend. Studying works like this one requires us to think about how the changing economic landscape of 19th century Europe shaped the production and consumption of art. Researching the history of pet ownership and the rise of animal portraiture can offer further valuable insight.