space between my art : Fine Art Research The black dog

The Black Dog

The dog has been used as a symbol in myths and folklore, poetry and paintings for centuries. Usually they symbolise loyalty, protection and fidelity. Dogs are probably the oldest and closest of man's animal companions, so it is easy to understand why they embody so many qualities associated with loyalty and companionship.

The dog has also long been considered a liaison between the physical and non-physical worlds. Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Celtic have all described the dog as a sacred guardian of the 'Otherworlds'. Dogs are often the guardians of ephemeral domains.

Some of the earliest references to the "black dog" is in folklore, where the black dog was associated with the devil, bad luck, or even an omen of death. Seeing the black dog was not a good thing. The black dog was often said to be larger then a normal dog and have glowing eyes. It was thought of as a bad omen and was said to be seen around crossroads, places of execution and ancient pathways.

The "black dog" is also recognised as a synonym for depression. Winston Churchill used the phrase "black dog" when referring to his own depression. Paul Foley said, "(the black dog) ... is an ever-present companion, lurking in the shadows just out of sight, growling, vaguely menacing, always on the alert; sinister and unpredictable, capable of overwhelming you at any moment."

Today, the black dog is a symbol of dark and menacing things, a nagging depression that can follow you relentlessly.