Dogs paintings

Portrait of a dog: history, legend, symbol

A dog is a faithful friend of a person, a guard and protector, a character of thousands of legends and true stories. These animals accompany people in business, research and entertainment, from space flights to fashion photo shoots, showing unique abilities of mutual understanding and communication among all other four-legged animals.

Images of dogs have been preserved among examples of rock painting, in the visual arts of ancient civilizations, on Orthodox icons, and in European painting from the early Baroque to the present day.

Dogs in Baroque and Rococo painting

Painting, as a faithful and impartial witness of human passions, is full of images of dogs. In the Baroque and Rococo period, pugs were in fashion. Their picturesque portraits and life-size statuettes filled the rooms of noble ladies along with the dogs themselves. Men's passion for hunting enriched the artistic heritage with genre paintings with packs of greyhounds, greyhounds and hounds. In the amusements of the common people, the silhouette of a mongrel can often be seen in the company of revelers among the little Dutch.

Some pets were honored to be immortalized in oil next to their owners. For example, the brush of the British William Hogarth belongs to "Self-portrait with a dog", where in the foreground he depicted his faithful friend - a pug named Trump.

Semantics of symbols - wordless expressions with a brush

The presence of a dog in a picture is not always a tribute to fashion or the customer's whims. Often, the image serves as a symbol that people in the cultural context read almost subconsciously. For Christians, a dog means primarily devotion. It is not for nothing that the image of a dog at the feet of a married woman serves as a symbol of marital fidelity. As the protector and guardian of the flock, the dog is an allegory of the preacher or "good shepherd."

Polarity and context

A strange feature of picturesque symbolism is the dog's ability to side with dark forces equally. A wild dog, which has lost contact with a person and his friendship, turns to the side of evil and rather resembles a three-headed Cerberus.

In Rembrandt's famous canvas "The Descent from the Cross", the foreground is given to a huge dog with empty eyes running away from people and the Savior himself, the personification of omnipresent evil. The dog's path is crossed by thorny plants - an allegory of suffering at the loss of light in life.

Canine canvas: tracing the dogs through art history

The depiction of dogs in art is as varied as the breeds themselves, ranging from the whimsical to the profound, reflecting the deep bond between humans and their canine companions. This exploration of dog art delves into various styles and periods, highlighting key works and artists who have captured the essence of dogs in their paintings.

1. Ancient dog paintings: unearthing the canine past

Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Greeks, often depicted dogs in their art, reflecting their roles as hunters, guardians, and companions. These ancient paintings, whether in tombs or on pottery, are some of the earliest artistic depictions of dogs.

2. Medieval dog paintings: faithful companions in illuminated manuscripts

Dogs in medieval art often symbolized loyalty and fidelity. They were commonly depicted in religious manuscripts and royal portraits. These early representations, while less detailed than later works, set the stage for the dog's enduring presence in art, reflecting their role in both secular and spiritual life.

3. Aristocratic portraits

In antique paintings, particularly from the Renaissance to the Victorian era, dogs were often portrayed alongside their aristocratic owners, symbolizing status and wealth. These paintings offer a glimpse into historical dog breeds and their societal significance.

4. Dogs in the artworks of Dutch golden age artists

The inclusion of dogs in the works of Dutch Golden Age artists reflects the integral role these animals played in 17th-century society. Whether as symbols of loyalty and domesticity or as lively participants in daily life, dogs were a common and beloved element in the art of this period. Gerard ter Borch, a Dutch Golden Age painter, often included dogs in his domestic interior scenes. His painting "The Suitor's Visit" (1658) is a prime example, where a small dog is seen at the feet of the figures, symbolizing fidelity and domestic harmony. Ter Borch's skillful use of light and meticulous detail in depicting the dog's fur and posture adds a layer of realism and warmth to the scene. Jan Steen, known for his lively and often humorous depictions of daily life, frequently included dogs in his works. In paintings like "The Merry Family" (1668), a dog is seen participating in the family's revelry, adding to the chaotic and joyful atmosphere. Steen's dogs are not just background figures; they are active participants in the scenes, often adding a layer of narrative or moral commentary. Frans Hals, another prominent figure of the Dutch Golden Age, occasionally included dogs in his portraits. His portrayal of dogs, usually alongside their owners, was less allegorical compared to his contemporaries. Instead, Hals used dogs to add a sense of liveliness and character to his portraits, as seen in works like "Family Group in a Landscape" (1645 - 1648).

5. David Hockney dog paintings: a modern love affair

David Hockney's paintings of his dachshunds, Stanley and Boodgie, are modern classics. These works are characterized by their vibrant colors and simple, affectionate portrayal of his pets, reflecting the everyday joy and companionship dogs provide.

6. Blue Dog paintings: a contemporary icon

The Blue Dog series by George Rodrigue stands out for its striking use of color and stylized depiction. Initially inspired by the legend of the Cajun werewolf dog, Rodrigue's Blue Dog evolved into an iconic symbol in contemporary art, renowned for its captivating, almost hypnotic gaze.

7. Balloon dog paintings: pop art meets canine culture

Inspired by Jeff Koons' famous Balloon Dog sculptures, balloon dog paintings blend pop art with a playful representation of dogs. These works are often characterized by bright, glossy colors and whimsical forms, reflecting a joyful, almost childlike appreciation of dogs.