# The symbolic animal accompanying the future emperor

The dog is designed to evoke the people, and here he is placed under the protection of the child, who places a benevolent hand on him. This hand illustrates the prince's ability to control his animal: Eugène Louis Napoléon does not look at Néro, feeling neither fear nor danger from the animal, while the latter looks at him with admiration. Carpeaux's group thus promotes a vision of loyalty, security and faith in the future emperor.