E3dog

12/26/2024

Solitude…

12/26/2024

During the dark days of the plague, when fear gripped the hearts of many, a man named Saint Roch chose to do what few would dare. He dedicated his life to caring for the sick, offering comfort and compassion to those abandoned by society. But fate had its own plan for him.

While serving the afflicted, Saint Roch himself fell ill with the plague. Weakened and covered in painful sores, he knew he could no longer help others. To avoid spreading the disease, he retreated to the forest, alone and isolated, far from human touch.

But he was not truly alone. One day, a dog appeared. Unlike the world that had left him behind, this dog became his silent companion. Each day, the dog would bring him bread in his mouth, offering him the nourishment he needed to survive. Not only that, but the dog licked his wounds, a gesture believed to have healing power. Through this quiet, persistent love and care, Saint Roch began to recover.

This simple act of loyalty and compassion would become the most well-known part of Saint Roch's legacy. The once-isolated man regained his strength and eventually returned to his mission of serving the sick. The dog remained by his side, a symbol of healing, loyalty, and divine providence.

Saint Roch is now honored as the Patron Saint of Dogs, Animals, and Those Affected by Illnesses. His story reminds us that compassion is not limited to humans alone. Sometimes, divine mercy appears in the form of a loyal dog, bringing bread when the world leaves us hungry.

🕊️ What does this story teach you about compassion, faith, and the loyalty of animals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

12/26/2024

Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009), one of the most celebrated American realist painters of the 20th century, is renowned for his unique ability to evoke emotion through seemingly simple and quiet scenes. His painting Night Sleeper (1979), an egg tempera on board piece measuring 121.9 × 182.9 cm, is a prime example of his mastery. Featured in The Andrew and Betsy Wyeth Collection at the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, this work exemplifies Wyeth’s gift for capturing the nuances of rural life and the hidden narratives that dwell within everyday moments.

Wyeth's artistic journey began at a very young age, influenced by his father, the renowned illustrator N.C. Wyeth. Andrew’s early exposure to drawing before reading helped him develop a distinctive style characterized by its fine detail and emotional depth. His meticulous technique, especially his use of egg tempera, brought a sense of life and stillness to his works that resonated deeply with audiences. The sense of absence in Wyeth's paintings—where the mundane is infused with a feeling of foreboding or mystery—became a hallmark of his work.

Night Sleeper is filled with this tension. At first glance, it might appear serene, but Wyeth’s use of two separate window views—one showcasing a moonlit mill and the other a dam and millstream—creates a quiet narrative of both time and place. These landscapes, which could each stand as individual paintings, interact in such a way that they enrich the viewer’s experience, adding layers of meaning and creating a harmonious composition that is both intimate and vast.

Wyeth’s influence on American realism was profound, making him the first visual artist to appear on the cover of Time magazine and the first living American-born artist to hold a show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His works continue to evoke a sense of mystery and beauty, revealing the depth of human experience through the lens of nature and rural life.

12/22/2024

Five Assyrian dog figurines, made of clay with pigments, circa 650 BC. Names inscribed on the figurines represent protective qualities. Now on display in the British Museum.

Each dog features its own name, emphasizing their symbolic roles in warding off evil and protecting households. Figurines like these were often buried beneath thresholds or placed in foundations to guard against evil forces.

“Expeller of evil” (mušēṣu lemnūti) with white pigment and red spots
“Catcher of the enemy” (kāšid ayyāb) with red pigment
“Don’t think, bite!” (ē tamtallik epuš pāka) with white pigment
“Biter of his foe!” (munaššiku gārîšu) with turquoise pigment
“Loud is his bark!” (dan rigiššu) with black pigment

12/21/2024

Street photography, a genre that celebrates the spontaneity of urban life, has long been a powerful medium for storytelling. Capturing candid moments in public spaces, it offers a raw glimpse into human connections, architecture, and the ever-changing rhythms of city life. The collaborative spirit of communities like this one fosters creativity and global representation, showcasing diverse perspectives from bustling metropolises to serene alleys. Each image becomes a narrative, immortalizing fleeting emotions, cultural nuances, and unexpected juxtapositions that define the streets.

Street photography has deep historical roots, tracing back to the mid-19th century with pioneers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, often regarded as the father of the genre. His philosophy of the “decisive moment” inspired countless photographers to embrace the unpredictability of everyday life. Over time, the genre evolved with technological advancements, from analog cameras to digital formats, making it accessible to a broader audience. By the 21st century, platforms and hubs dedicated to street photography emerged, connecting artists worldwide and amplifying their voices.

Today, the global street photography community thrives on collaboration, as seen in hubs that curate and share exceptional works. These platforms celebrate the artistry of capturing unposed, genuine moments, fostering a shared appreciation for the beauty in the ordinary. By highlighting these diverse creations, they contribute to a collective visual diary of humanity, resonating across cultures and generations. Street photography not only documents life but also inspires deeper connections with the world around us, preserving the ephemeral with enduring artistry.

12/21/2024

Plato (c. 427–347 BC) draws a profound analogy between dogs and the ideal guardians of society in The Republic (Book II). Through the voice of Socrates, he highlights the dog's unique ability to distinguish between friend and foe, not by appearance, but by knowledge. Socrates observes, “A dog, so long as it knows a person, is friendly and gentle, but when it does not know them, it growls and is hostile. Can you find a creature more fond of learning than the dog, which distinguishes the familiar from the unfamiliar by knowledge and ignorance?”

This comparison goes beyond mere observation. Plato suggests that dogs embody a kind of philosophical nature — they love what is known and remain cautious of the unknown. This mirrors the qualities he believes a guardian of society should possess: wisdom, discernment, and loyalty. While many focus on Plato’s teachings about justice and governance, this subtle reflection on dogs has endured as one of the most relatable metaphors in philosophy.

Dogs, even in ancient times, were seen as more than animals. They were thinkers in their own right — cautious, thoughtful, and always learning. Perhaps it’s no surprise that, thousands of years later, we still see dogs as protectors, companions, and loyal guardians of the home and heart.

12/20/2024

The agency recommended that the maker of Librela update its label to reflect the possibility of more serious adverse reactions.

12/19/2024

Argos, the faithful dog of Odysseus, remains one of the most iconic symbols of loyalty in ancient literature. His story comes from Homer's Odyssey, an epic poem from 8th century BC Greece that follows the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. After 20 years away — filled with battles, shipwrecks, and the constant threat of death — Odysseus finally returns to his homeland of Ithaca, but in disguise. No one recognizes him, not even his family or closest friends. But one soul does. Argos, his old dog, lying neglected and frail on a pile of filth, sees him from afar. His ears perk up, his tail wags faintly. Despite being too weak to stand, he still finds the strength to recognize the one person he had been waiting for all those years.

This brief yet powerful scene appears in Book 17 of The Odyssey, and it has remained one of the most heart-wrenching moments in all of literature. Argos, forgotten by everyone but still holding on to hope, finally sees his master once more. And with that small, silent moment of joy, he lets go of life, dying in peace. It's a testament to the enduring love of dogs — they never forget, never stop waiting, and never stop loving. Argos’ loyalty is timeless, reminding us that even in the most ancient of stories, the bond between humans and dogs was already seen as sacred. For anyone who’s ever loved a dog, this scene hits close to home. It’s not about grandeur or heroism — it’s about the quiet power of devotion.

12/14/2024

A Boy and his Dog, 1956 by Norman Rockwell.

12/12/2024

12/12/2024

“Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time." - Steven Wright

(art: Hasui Kawase)

12/10/2024

1925: Balto

Gunnar Kaasen with Balto, the lead dog for the final 50-mile transit of the diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, in 1925. As the final couriers who delivered the serum, both became celebrities – with Balto inspiring a statue, a number of books, a dramatised documentary and an animated film

12/10/2024