Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of Southern California
KOOIKERS IN ART
Jacob Ochtervelt
The Dutch “golden age” was a period roughly spanning the 17th century. Its foundation was laid during the century previous to it, in the rebellion against Phillip II of Spain. This 80-year war, lead by Wiliam of Orange, aimed for independence of Spain and freedom of religion. The war ended in 1648 but trade, Dutch economic power and also the arts continued to flourished. Rembrandt van Rijn may be one of the most well known artists of this period but there are many more.
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Whereas paintings during previous times were mostly commissioned and required well known subjects to be painted, the new freedom allowed painters a more open style and different approach to painting. Of course, the painters of the time still required their works to be sold, but they could now find clientele in rich merchants and other well to do who brought with them a new taste for style and
well to do who brought with them a new taste for style and subject. Still, paintings with a story or a moral remained common. Subjects, objects and their placing in the paintings often had symbolic meanings. Sometimes there were obvious, sometimes a bit hidden. For us, of much later times, many of the symbols remain unclear.
Dogs in paintings may have had many different meanings; protection, faithfulness, alertness, love to name a few. Many early paintings show working dogs, dogs with a function - such as hunting dogs. But as dogs became more and more domesticated, they were also shown as companions - part of the family. We are lucky to have had a number of painters of this golden age whose favorite subject was normal, every day life at home, a party scene, a play where a dog could find a place. Jan van Steen is perhaps one of the best known representatives of this style and subject. On many occasions his paintings feature a small dog not unlike our Kooikerhondje of today.
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There are many old paintings with Kooikerhondje look a likes. The baronesse used them as model and inspiration to breed back the dog that was almost lost. Even today these old paintings may still function as inspiration, not only for the breeder and judge but also owner to find a connection to ones heritage through your dog. Visit a museum if you can or just google these painters and be amazed that though many things changed through the centuries, fashion, interests, politics… our kooikerhondje seems the same loyal friend.
Jan Steen
