Illustration med en vægter foran en siddende og en stående kvinde 1803

Meno Haas created this print, now at the SMK, capturing a scene imbued with intriguing symbols. A watchman stands before two women, one seated and the other standing, within a room marked by a barred window. Notice the dog, a greyhound, held by the seated woman. The dog, often a symbol of fidelity, here seems to reach toward the watchman, perhaps implying a connection or longing. Its presence evokes a sense of loyalty, but the context suggests a deeper complexity. The watchman, a figure of vigilance and control, contrasts with the intimate, interior space. In earlier times, watchmen ensured safety. Here, his presence feels less about protection and more about potential intrusion, stirring up tensions. This echoes how symbols shift: once straightforward, they become layered with psychological weight, engaging our subconscious with unresolved questions of security and longing. The scene’s emotional power lies in this delicate balance, prompting viewers to ponder the unseen narratives at play. This cyclical shift in meaning, shaped by history and context, is what keeps these symbols alive.