Vijf jachthonden 1647

Wenceslaus Hollar created this etching of five hunting dogs sometime in the 17th century. During this time, dogs like these were not just pets, but symbols of wealth and status in European aristocratic society. Hollar, who was born in Prague but spent much of his career in England, was known for his detailed and accurate depictions of animals and everyday life. In this print, the dogs are shown in various poses, capturing their individual personalities and physical characteristics. Note the close attention given to their fur, musculature, and expressions. The presence of these animals indicates the wealth of the owner who was able to keep dogs purely for pleasure. To fully understand the history of this image, we might turn to stud books, social histories of pet ownership, or even tax records. These resources provide additional insights into the cultural meanings of the art, underscoring the idea that its interpretation is always tied to its social and institutional context.