En dreng med to hunde i et reb 1801 - 1840

Hermann Ernst Freund created this relief sculpture, "A Boy with Two Dogs on a Leash," during the first half of the 19th century, an era marked by significant shifts in social hierarchies and the rise of the middle class. This artwork captures a tender, yet subtly complex scene; a young boy is depicted managing two spirited dogs. The medium, with its muted tones, invites us to consider the nuances of power and control. The leashes connecting the boy and the animals suggest a relationship built on both constraint and care. The artist was working during a time when depictions of children often carried moral or sentimental weight. The image offers a glimpse into the lives of the emerging middle class and changing attitudes towards youth and domesticity. The work invites us to consider the dynamics between humans and animals, and the responsibilities inherent in these relationships.