Head of a Leonberger c. 1880 - 1892

Otto Eerelman rendered this "Head of a Leonberger" with pastel and watercolor. The dog, with its noble bearing and soulful eyes, isn't merely a pet, but a symbol deeply rooted in human history. Throughout time, the dog has been a guardian, a hunter, a companion—a reflection of human values. Its image echoes in ancient Egyptian depictions of Anubis, the jackal-headed god of the afterlife, and in the loyal hounds of medieval tapestries, symbols of fidelity and vigilance. Here, the Leonberger's gaze evokes a silent understanding, a connection that transcends words. Perhaps it’s the longing for connection, a primal resonance that tugs at our subconscious. This desire echoes through millennia of art, resurfacing in each tender depiction of animal companionship. The power of such symbolism is never linear, it resurfaces, evolves, and adapts across eras.