[spankalib]

Thanks to our resident scholar, etabeta, I understand (or think I understand) the use of dogs in the pictures - symbolize ‘loyalty’.

How interesting is that symbolism in this group, then. (also then, do cats represent ‘mystery’, ‘suspicion’, no loyalty?)

We have ‘loyalty’ sniffing suspiciously at Judas in Tiepolo at #10 (loyalty under suspicion),
also in #20, Rosselli paints a “ratty” dog facing off with a cat…
#25, Carracci actually has the dog fighting with the cat!
#27, Bassano dog facing cat…

Though not well visualized in #7, in the Ghirlandaio, maybe the cat! will show up better here:

I also like the way the artists, Boulogne in #9, and Crespi, in #13, show Judas clinging to the purse, trying to hide it behind his back!

Tintoretto at #5 illustrates – rather dramatically! – how the ‘unseen world’ still contends with we ‘mere’ mortals. Well done!

[Hebrews 11:6]

(also then, do cats represent ‘mystery’, ‘suspicion’, no loyalty?)

Works for me.

[etabeta]

In the Bible, the peacock symbolizes resurrection, everlasting life.
As for cats, Dan, you don’t know what fun and joy they are, just like children, they come with different personalities. I had one, a Russian Blu, who would run roaring like a lion through the house ending in a mighty leap on top of an armoire. My siamese kitty once, seeing me in tears, snuggled close to me and touched my cheek with her paw. They respond to how one raises them and treats them.