An artist whose work I enjoy, is Emanuel de Witte, noted for his interior scenes of churches. This painting is the "Interior of the Oude Kerk [old church], Delft," from about 1680. It is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.

The scene above is of a Reformed minister, preaching from the raised pulpit in the center of the church. If you look carefully, one of those listening to the sermon has brought his dog to church (in the shadow at the bottom right). According to one source, this was a common practice. But should Fido got too noisy, or attempt to do his business, church wardens would instruct the dog's owner to take them outside, or else make them clean up after the dog made a mess.

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