No one will ever be as happy to see you coming back home as your dog. Since they are always with us, they do deserve their own place in art. And they certainly have it, not only as companions in their owner’s portraits but also on their own. As you can see below, dogs in come in all shapes and sizes, but are always our best friends… well, almost always. Discover the charm of dog paintings!
1. Cave Canem, Pompeii
Not a portrait exactly, but an early example of a “beware of dog” plaque, on a slightly larger scale too. Some things last for a long time (the plaques), and some thankfully go away (the chain).
2. Agostino Carracci, Study of a Spaniel’s Head
Hmmm… this dog in art looks a bit more like a lion than a spaniel to me, but the look in its eyes cannot be mistaken—someone is eating something and not sharing!
3. Gerrit Dou, Sleeping Dog
Is it really sleeping or just pretending so it doesn’t have to do much?
4. Giuseppe Castiglione, Tawny Yellow Leopard
By no means is this a leopard? Actually, Castiglione was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong to paint a series of Ten Fine Hounds.
5. George Stubbs, White Poodle in a Punt
It does not seem very happy, does it? Poodles were water retrievers, so they should feel comfortable in the proximity of water, maybe it’s the missing duck.
6. Francisco Goya, The Dog
So dramatic and sad, probably one of the most moving depictions of a dog in art.
7. Édouard Manet, A King Charles Spaniel
I know you have my snacks! I’ll get you as soon as we’re done here! A truly noble one, art before snacks. Keep reading—these dog paintings only get cuter with every click.
8. Paul Gauguin, Still Life with Three Puppies
Another depiction of dogs in art! It is difficult to resist the charm of a puppy, with three no one stands a chance.
9. Sir Edwin Landseer, A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society
More distinguished and dignified than many people, Bob was made a distinguished member of the Royal Humane Society. He saved 23 people from drowning over the course of 14 years! Good boy! Interestingly, the artist behind this painting gave their name to a variety of the Newfoundland breed.
10. John Singer Sargent, Pointy
John Singer Sargent’s Pointy is a small oil painting of a mongrel dog, created as a gift for Sargent’s friend Louise Burckhardt. Painted during his visits to the Burckhardt family in Paris, it conveys warmth and familiarity in its affectionate portrayal of the animal.