"I had rather see the portrait of a dog that I know, than all the allegorical paintings they can show me in the world"

This quote by Samuel Johnson speaks with the power of personal connection and the significance of familiarity. He is recommending that he would rather see a portrait of a canine he knows than any of the allegorical paintings that might be shown to him. This implies that he values the connection he has with the dog more than any of the abstract art he could be shown. Johnson is highlighting the significance of individual relationships and the power of familiarity. He is recommending that the connection he has with the dog is more meaningful than any of the allegorical paintings he might be shown. This quote speaks with the power of relationships and the value of familiarity. Johnson is suggesting that the connection he has with the pet dog is more meaningful than any of the abstract art he might be revealed. He is stressing the importance of personal relationships and the power of familiarity.