Setter before 1888

This image presents an engraving titled "Setter," made by an anonymous artist. Think about the history of dogs, particularly hunting dogs, in Western culture. Traditionally, the ownership and depiction of such animals was largely confined to the upper classes, and it represents control over both nature and the social order. Here, the setter is actively participating in a hunt, but the artist chose to show the dog's energy and dynamism. This breaks from traditional portraits of animals that often emphasize status and control, instead focusing on the animal's natural instincts.