Sadness is a universal emotion that has been depicted in art throughout history. In old paintings, animals were often used as a symbol of sadness, representing the loss of innocence and the fragility of life. For example, dogs were often depicted as mourning their deceased owners, while birds were shown as trapped in cages, unable to fly free. These paintings not only captured the emotions of the artist, but also reflected the societal values and beliefs of the time. Animals were often viewed as inferior beings, lacking in intellect and emotion, and were therefore seen as a fitting symbol for the theme of sadness. However, modern research has shown that animals do experience a range of emotions, including sadness, and are deserving of empathy and respect. Paintings in this post are: 1.“A Parting” By Marianne Stokes 2.“Goodbye Old Man” By Matania 3.“Will He Come Back?” by Robert Morley 4.“Anguish” By August Friedrich 5.“Mourning the Master” By Charles Christian Nahl #art #painting #history