Fotoreproductie van een schilderij, vrouw met twee honden in landschap 1860 - 1900

This photograph reproduces a painting by Alfred de Dreux, a French artist known for his equestrian scenes and portraits of elegant figures with their animals. Here, a woman is depicted in a landscape, accompanied by two dogs; the image suggests a narrative of leisure and status. Made during the 19th century, the cultural context is one of growing industrialization and urbanization, with a nostalgic interest in rural life. The rise of the bourgeoisie created new markets for images of themselves, in this case with noble animals, as an expression of their aspirations. De Dreux's work catered to this social class, reinforcing the image of themselves. To better understand this artwork, one could research the market for such paintings and the social role of domestic animals. This would illuminate the values and norms that were shaping the production and reception of art in 19th-century France.