Kleopatra modtager Marcus Antonius 1604 - 1608

Jacob Matham created this print, “Kleopatra modtager Marcus Antonius,” at the turn of the 17th century. Here, dogs are prominently featured in the foreground, a motif that carries echoes through art history. In classical antiquity, dogs symbolized fidelity and vigilance, often seen guarding homes or accompanying deities. This symbolism is deeply rooted in our collective memory, resurfacing in Renaissance art where dogs frequently appear in portraits as emblems of loyalty. Yet, the meaning is never fixed. Consider how the faithful dog of Odysseus, Argos, recognizes his master upon his return after twenty years. This image conveys not just loyalty but also profound emotional recognition. In Matham’s print, the presence of these animals adds a layer of domesticity to a scene of state, contrasting the personal with the political. The non-linear, cyclical nature of symbols allows them to reappear and evolve, echoing through history with shifting nuances.