A History Of Dogs In Art, From Ancient Sculptures To Instagram Selfies

Dogs are loyal, intelligent, loving creatures, so it makes sense that we would want to immortalize them and keep them forever.

Stephanie

• Published in Animal Stories
• October 12, 2021

Throughout art history, dogs have often been valued subjects for many artists. Whether it be photography, painting, or sculpture, our four-legged friends have appeared in various artworks for centuries.

After all, dogs are man's best friend, and artists love to display their adoration for canines by including them in their artistry. Dogs have even been found present in ancient art.

For example, a dog mosaic from the first century BC was discovered in the House of the Tragic Poet. With the words "Cave Canem" at the bottom, which translates to "beware of the dog," it is believed the piece was to alert visitors of a dog in the home.

Dogs are best known for their loyalty and companionship, which is clearly depicted in many artworks from the Renaissance period. There are many portraits of royals painted with their beloved dogs by their side, or sometimes, on their lap.

However, the Renaissance didn't solely depict dogs as cuddly and cute or even regal. Some pieces portray dogs at work.

Dogs were often depicted as symbols of protection, guidance, love, and faithfulness. There is an overwhelming presence of dogs, especially in Western art.

The various cultural depictions of canines in art have changed dramatically as different breeds have evolved and the relationships between humans and dogs have strengthened. Dogs are most often portrayed as guides and loyal companions and are rarely used as negative symbols.

1. "A Friend in Need" from the "Dogs Playing Poker" series by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, circa 1903

Not long after Gauguin's piece emerged, so did one of the most famous collections of dog paintings - "Dogs Playing Poker." The iconic series by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge began in 1894.

The idea's success led to 16 of Coolidge's paintings being commissioned for a cigar ad in 1903.

Each painting features a group of dogs playing poker. The illustrations are well-known worldwide and continue to pop up, even today.

2. "Balloon Dog" by Jeff Koons

Contemporary artist, Jeff Koons, is responsible for some of the most well-known dog art of all. His Balloon Dog sculptures have even inspired a popular range of home decor.

3. "Still Life with Three Puppies" by Paul Gauguin, circa 1888

Paul Gauguin was said to be inspired by children's books and Japanese prints when he created "Still Life with Three Puppies" in 1888. The painting is a far cry from naturalistic representation.

4. Before long, dog breeds became regulated, which led to dogs becoming the sole muses in some portraits.

Dogs shifting from accompaniment to the main focus has led to other forms of dog art becoming popular. From realism to abstraction, there isn't much that hasn't been done.

5. "Puppy" by Jeff Koons, 1995.

In 1995, Koons created "Puppy," a giant sculpture covered in flowers. It stands at almost 41 feet tall and is a permanent fixture at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

6. "Cave Canem"

7. "Portrait of a Noblewoman" by Lavinia Fontana, circa 1580

"Portrait of a Noblewoman," by Lavinia Fontana, depicts a pretty young noblewoman soon after getting married. Wearing a deep red dress and draped in stunning jewels, her small dog is illustrated standing up against her.

8. Marble statue of a pair of dogs, circa 1 AD – 199 AD

This lovely piece featuring two dogs was discovered near Civita Lavinia, Italy, in 1774. Although The British Museum says it is impossible to date the sculpture accurately, it's believed to have been created sometime between 1 AD to 199 AD.

Interestingly, the sculpture was found by Gavin Hamilton, an art dealer, and painter, while he was excavating a place called "Dog Mountain." He discovered the piece, among some other things.

9. "The Hunters in the Snow" by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, circa 1565

In the iconic painting, "Hunters in the Snow," Pieter Bruegel captured two men returning from an unsuccessful hunting trip with their loyal hunting dogs in tow. The piece beautifully captured the emotions of both the men and their hard-working pups.

Dogs are incredible animals, so it's no surprise they have become such a meaningful part of art history. Dogs are loyal, intelligent, loving creatures, so it makes sense that we would want to immortalize them and keep them forever.

From illustrations of dogs on the walls of tombs in the Bronze Age to dogs representing fidelity in the Middle Ages and the contemporary art we love today, the examples of dogs in art history are infinite. How lucky we are to have our four-legged friends immortalized for all time.

Famous artists such as Andy Warhol and David Hockney are among the many who have created beautiful dog art. Which piece is your favorite?

Stephanie