Alabaster dog sculpted in the round, part of a... Lot 29

Alabaster dog sculpted in the round, part of a recumbent. Sitting with its tail along its left hind leg, it stands erect and raises its left front leg folded; head raised with hanging ears, short and square muzzle; it wears a collar decorated with six-petalled rosettes; rounded terrace. Southern Netherlands or Hispano-Flemish, 15th century (small lacks and restorations including reattached breaks, remains of red wax under the collar). Height : 25 cm - Width : 11 cm - Depth : 12 cm Coming from a female tomb, this dog presents itself in a very realistic attitude as if taken from life. His gaze raised towards his mistress, he shows affection, fidelity and submission. The domesticated dog is thus closely linked to the qualities expected of a lady, such as the lion accompanying the male recumbent, a symbol of strength and courage. Called doguins, these little dogs from the tombs were companion dogs and not hunting dogs; they were miniature dogues, the ancestors of today's bulldogs. They appeared at the feet of ladies and young girls during the 14th century and lasted until the middle of the 16th century in certain regions, as can be seen in the recumbent statue of Anne des GHISTELLES, made in 1554, in the church of Sainte-Dymphne in Geel (Belgium).