Liggende hond 1630 - 1706

Cornelis Saftleven etched this ‘Liggende Hond’ – or reclining dog – sometime during the 17th century. In this era, dogs often symbolized fidelity, vigilance, and loyalty, virtues deeply valued. Here, the dog's relaxed posture subverts those expectations, revealing a more complex interplay between symbolism and reality. We find similar depictions of dogs throughout art history, from ancient Roman mosaics to Renaissance paintings, often as emblems of domesticity or as attributes to loyal figures. Consider the ‘watchdog’ motif in ancient Greece. The dog stood as a guardian at the threshold, protecting against both physical and spiritual intruders. Over time, this image evolved, transitioning into more nuanced representations in medieval tapestries and heraldic emblems. The image of the dog resonates with our deep-seated emotional understanding of companionship and protection, tapping into primal feelings that endure across time. Saftleven's dog, with its watchful eyes, serves as a poignant reminder of these intertwined themes, embodying a sense of continuity and the timeless appeal of familiar symbols.