Portrait of the Artist as a Young Pup: The Evolution of Dogs in Art
Colonel J. Dennis's Greyhounds: Distingue, Dendraspis and Dilwyn; 1914, Arthur Wardle R.I. (British, 1864-1949)
Throughout history, dogs have played important roles in our lives, serving as loyal workers and protectors, true companions, and beloved family members. As such, they have long appeared with humans in portraits, religious works, mythological scenes, and even cave drawings. But it was only in the last few centuries that dogs emerged as the primary subjects in works of art, as stand-alone models worthy of their own canvases.
While individual dog portraits first began to gain traction in the eighteenth century, the Victorian era marked a surge in their popularity, driven in large part by Queen Victoria’s deep affection for dogs. Her Majesty kept more than 70 canines at her Windsor Castle kennels and frequently commissioned artists like Sir Edwin Landseer to commemorate her beloved pets in oil on canvas. As a result, Landseer and artists such as George Earl, Maud Earl, John Emms, Frances Fairman, and Arthur Wardle became some of the most prominent figures in pet portraiture. Their works remain highly collectible today, valued for both their artistry and their deep emotional resonance.
Beyond individual pet portraits, the genre soon expanded into two more distinct categories: purebred dog portraits, which emphasize the animal’s conformation and breed standards, and sporting dog portraits, which highlight the dog’s performance and utility in the field. The founding of The Kennel Club in the UK in 1873 and the American Kennel Club in 1884 introduced official breed standards, further fueling interest in dog portraiture. The formalization of canine aesthetics elevated the art form, as owners sought to document not just their pets but ideal representations of their breeds.
This union of cultural forces in the late nineteenth century gave rise to what many consider the golden age of dog painting: royal patronage, the growing popularity of organized field sports, the classification of dog breeds, and the rise of a prosperous middle class. Dog paintings became a fashionable symbol of status, loyalty, and refined taste.
In fact, the demand for dog portraits grew so strong that some artists began to specialize exclusively in the genre. British greats such as Sir Edwin Landseer, John Emms, and the Earls family; American artists such as Percival Rosseau, Gustav Muss-Arnolt, Edwin Megargee, and Edmund Osthaus; French painters like Charles Olivier de Penne, Alfred de Dreux, and Eugene Petit; German artists like Carl Reichert; and Belgian artists such as Charles Van den Eycken and Edmond Van Der Meulen all helped expand the movement internationally.
In recent decades, interest in 19th-century dog paintings has experienced a resurgence. Collectors are drawn not only to the charm of the subject matter but to the exceptional quality of work produced by the masters of the genre. The enduring appeal of these paintings is a testament to the bond between humans and dogs, beautifully captured with a brush and canvas.
For example, the painting A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society (1838) by Sir Edwin Landseer (Collection Tate Gallery, London, UK) commemorates a remarkable dog named Bob, a Newfoundland who became a local legend in London. Rescued from a shipwreck off the English coast, Bob eventually made his home along the London waterfront. Over the course of 14 years, he earned widespread admiration for saving 23 people from drowning. In recognition of his heroic acts, Bob was awarded a medal and named an honorary member of the Royal Humane Society, a rare and distinguished honor for a canine.
Continuing the great tradition of dog portraiture today are exceptional contemporary artists such as Pamela Dennis Hall, Christine Merrill, Barrie Barnett, Joseph Sulkowski, and Liza Todd Tivey to name a few. Through their remarkable talent, beautiful works, and commissions, they carry the genre forward, blending classical technique with a modern sensibility to honor the timeless connection between humans and their canine companions.
From the most elegant purebreds to the scruffiest mutts, dogs are our faithful friends, as well as our muses. Their enduring presence in art is a visual celebration of the love, loyalty, and joy they continue to bring to our lives.
all photos courtesy The Dog in Art Gallery, New York