Kind met honden c. 1865 - 1918

Otto Eerelman created this delicate drawing, 'Child with Dogs,' capturing a seemingly simple scene on paper. Yet, within this domestic tableau, the dog emerges as a potent symbol. For centuries, the dog has been more than a mere animal; it's a guardian, a symbol of fidelity, and a bridge to our primal selves. Consider the ancient Roman mosaics where dogs guarded thresholds, or the loyal canines depicted alongside their masters in medieval portraits. The gesture of a dog sitting, attentive, echoes through art history, a constant reminder of unwavering loyalty. Psychologically, the dog embodies aspects of ourselves we often suppress – unconditional love, instinct, and the pure joy of existence. Its presence here engages us on a deep, subconscious level. This drawing, like a dream, pulls from the well of collective memory, revealing how symbols evolve, resurface, and continue to resonate across time.