Jachthonden 1840 - 1880

This is Johannes Tavenraat’s sketch of hunting dogs, made in the nineteenth century. Hunting dogs have, for millennia, appeared as symbols of loyalty, instinct, and pursuit. Here, dogs are caught in a flurry of action, their bodies tense with energy, embodying a raw, primal drive. I'm reminded of the ancient Egyptian jackal-headed god Anubis, who guides souls with canine determination. Centuries later, we see dogs accompanying Artemis, goddess of the hunt in Greek art, representing her untamed, wild spirit. Even in medieval tapestries, the hunting dog appears, enmeshed with aristocratic life and the thrill of the chase. It is a motif which evolves, reflecting how societal values shift, yet some core associations remain. The dog, whether as hunter or herder, embodies a desire, a devotion, a primal connection that continues to resonate with our own subconscious drives.