Author: Noelle E. DeSantis
Date: 23 July 2024
Dogs have long been depicted in art and antiques for millennia-from ancient Egyptian sculptures of Anubis to narratives on classical Greek vases, hunt scenes in medieval tapestries, and paintings and portraits from the 15th-17th centuries that use canines symbolic of loyalty and fidelity- take for example, Jan van Eyck’s (Flemish, active by 1422- d.1441) Arnolfini Portrait, 1434 with a dog at the feet of the couple referencing marital fealty or Titian’s (Italian, 1488-90- 1576) portrait of Emperor Charles V with a Dog, 1533 depicting his favorite hunting dog by his side, which also alludes to his rule over his faithful subjects.
It wasn’t until much later in the 18th and 19th centuries that dogs were portrayed as unique beings or as beloved pets- as found in the beautifully rendered works of animal artists like Sir Edwin Landseer (English, 1802-1873) and Rosa Bonheur (French, 1822-1899).
Today there is yet another way to look at our furry friends in art- through the lens of renowned artists and the significant role that their pet dogs played in their personal lives as well as in their artwork. Let’s highlight a few famous pups and their artist-humans.
Édouard Manet and Tama
Édouard Manet (French, 1832-1883), a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism, was known for his keen observation of contemporary everyday life. Among the numerous subjects he painted, he painted his beloved dog, Tama as well as other pet-portraits of friends’ dogs, Bob, Minnay, and Douki. Set in a domestic setting, Manet’s painting Tama, 1875, clearly reflects the artist’s affection for his pet by also showing what is likely Tama’s favorite toy doll strewn on the floor and a walking stick leaning against a wall- ready for their next walk together. Tama was so revered that his portrait was also painted by Manet’s friend, fellow artist, August Renoir (French, 1841-1919) in the portrait, Tama, a Japanese Dog, 1876.
Pablo Picasso and Lump
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) had an affectionate bond with his dachshund, Lump- which means “rascal” in German. The relationship between Picasso and Lump was one of mutual adoration and he was often found on the artist’s lap while he worked. Lump was more than just a pet; he was a muse. Picasso created several sketches and paintings featuring Lump, that highlight the dog’s unique personality and their special bond. Notably, Lump appears in Picasso’s 1957 reinterpretations of Diego Velázquez’s (Spanish, 1599-1660) masterpiece, Las Meninas, 1656 where Picasso replaces Velázquez’s massive mastiff dog for Lump’s diminutive, elongated form and notorious larger-than-life personality.
Andy Warhol and Archie and Amos
Like Picasso, Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) was also besotted with his dachshunds Archie and later addition Amos. Archie was a constant companion, often accompanying Warhol to restaurants, interviews, photo shoots, gallery openings and social events. Warhol’s attachment to Archie was profound, and the artist lovingly called him his “alter-ego.” In 1976, Warhol created the silkscreen prints Portrait of Archie, and Amos and also turned his focus to other pet-portrait commissions that exemplify his renowned pop-art style. Warhol’s devotion to his pup was also captured posthumously by his artist friend Jamie Wyeth (American, b. 1946) in First in the Screen Door Sequence, 2015, a dream-like image of Warhol holding Archie and set within the confines of an actual screen door.
Lucian Freud and Pluto and Eli
Lucian Freud (German/British, 1922-2011) renowned for his powerful and often unflinching portraits and figurative works, had a close relationship with his dogs, particularly his whippets, Pluto and Eli. Freud often included them in his paintings, capturing their sleek forms and distinctive personalities with the same scrutiny that he also applied to human subjects. However, his more intimate works, such as Double Portrait, 1985-86 there is a tender depiction of Pluto sleeping at the side of Freud’s daughter. Together, human and canine limbs are intertwined, attesting to the close bond that this dog is more than a mere pet, but rather a dear member of the family.
David Hockney and Stanley and Boodgie
David Hockney (English, b.1937) found inspiration and joy in his two dachshunds, Stanley and Boodgie, who he created an entire series of paintings and drawings of them in 1995 titled Dog Days. This collection captures the essence of the dogs’ daily lives, showcasing his pups sleeping, playing, and lounging around. Through these works, Hockney explored themes of companionship, loyalty, and the simple pleasures of life. Dog Days was also published as a book, and in it Hockney explains in his own words… “I make no apologies for the apparent subject matter. These two dear little creatures are my friends. They are intelligent, loving, comical and often bored. They watch me work; I notice the warm shapes they make together, their sadness and their delights. And, being Hollywood dogs, they somehow seem to know that a picture is being made.”
William Wegman and Man Ray
Although he is a versatile artist who works in various types of media, William Wegman’s (American, b. 1943) name is synonymous with photographs and videos of his Weimaraner dogs. In the early 1970s, Wegman first turned his camera lens on his dog Man Ray, named in honor of the influential Dada and Surrealist artist who was a pioneer in photography during the 1920s and 1930s. So famous and beloved was doggie Man Ray for his dead-pan expression and uncanny ability to strike a pose, that when he died in 1982, he was named “Man of the Year” by New York City’s alternative periodical, the Village Voice. Over the years Wegman has created thousands of photographs of his other beloved dogs Fay Ray, Penny, Bobbin, Chundo, Chip and Crooky. Wegman currently splits his time between residences in New York City and Maine with his current muse Flo.
Man’s Best Friend
Of course, it’s not just artists who are besotted with their dogs. We at Art Peritus are also partial to our pups as well. Here are some of our team members’ beloved dogs- from pups past to pups present.
Noelle E. DeSantis is a contributing researcher, writer and fine art consultant for Art Peritus. Noelle holds an undergraduate degree in Art Education with a minor in Art History from Temple University, Philadelphia, as well as a graduate degree in Fine and Decorative Art from Sotheby’s Institute, London and University of Manchester, England. Noelle previously worked for American painting gallery Godel & Co. Fine Art, in New York City for over eleven years before launching her own business and freelance consulting in the art world.
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Noelle E. DeSantis is a contributing researcher, writer and fine art consultant for Art Peritus. Noelle holds an undergraduate degree in Art Education with a minor in Art History from Temple University, Philadelphia, as well as a graduate degree in Fine and Decorative Art from Sotheby’s Institute, London and University of Manchester, England. Noelle previously worked for American painting gallery Godel & Co. Fine Art, in New York City for over eleven years before launching her own business and freelance consulting in the art world.
