Dogs: in our hearts and in our art
A recent trip to Europe reinforced the fact that dogs belong in art
This fall I was lucky enough to visit Vienna and took full advantage of the city’s architecture, history and art. Among the highlights was visiting Schonbrunn Palace to take in the Gustave Klimt exhibit. Klimt’s gold leafed paintings certainly dazzled but what I couldn’t get enough of were the dogs featured in paintings of every time period.
As I moved from room to room, from era to era, I saw our furry friends: crouched at the feet of a lady doing the washing, standing patiently by a child at play or posing proudly with a noble family, the list goes on.
Why dogs have an enduring appeal in art
Dogs have been a popular subject in artwork for various reasons, reflecting the strong and enduring connection between humans and these beloved animals. Here are several reasons why dogs often feature prominently in art:
Emotional Attachment: dogs are known for their loyalty, affection, and companionship, which create a deep emotional bond with their human owners. Artists often portray dogs to evoke strong feelings of love, comfort, and connection. An owner commissioning artwork featuring their pets allows them to cherish and remember these important relationships.
Symbolism: Dogs are rich in symbolism in different cultures and art movements. They can represent qualities like loyalty, friendship, protection, and faithfulness. In some art, dogs symbolize specific traits or virtues.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Dogs have held historical and cultural significance in various societies. In art, they may represent a specific breed that's symbolic of a region or era. For example, Greyhounds have been featured in ancient Egyptian art.
Social Commentary: Dogs can be used in art to comment on social and cultural issues. They can represent themes like domesticity, obedience, protection, or even rebellion, depending on the context and the message the artist wants to convey.
Companionship: Dogs have been companions to artists throughout history. Artists often include their own dogs in self-portraits or studio scenes as a representation of the bond they share.
The presence of dogs in artwork adds warmth, emotional depth, and relatability. Whether they're portrayed realistically or in a more abstract or symbolic manner, dogs continue to be a source of inspiration for artists and a subject that resonates with art enthusiasts around the world.
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Christine Roulston is a fine art dog photographer in Victoria, BC.
