How Have Dogs Been Portrayed In Art Over The Years?

No doubt we can all agree that dogs are among the purest of souls on earth. Thank the heavens that our ancient ancestors decided to brave terrifying rows of sharp teeth by welcoming wolves into the fold, ultimately ensuring that dogs were the very first domesticated species of them all!

Since then, our relationship with man’s best friend has gone from strength to strength and it’s now utterly impossible to think of a world without snuffling noses and wagging tails. What a cruel world that would be indeed.

Luckily, that’s not our reality - and not only are we incredibly blessed to have these wonderful creatures curled up with us on the sofa, we also have a significant collection of dog-related art to enjoy, as well. 

There are even dog museums to be found here, there and everywhere - testament to just how essential these animals are to our every happiness.

When did dogs first appear in art?

As a source of inspiration, dogs in art first started popping up in rock paintings and carvings, as well as in the vase paintings, sculptures and coins of ancient Greece. 

In ancient Mexico, meanwhile, ceramic sculptures of hairless breeds were incredibly popular, placed alongside the dead in ritualistic burials. And in ancient China, terracotta tombs often featured dogs as companions and protectors.

Dogs were particularly prevalent in art all over Europe sooner rather than later, with famous examples including The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck and Lavinia Fontana’s gigantic Visit of the Queen of Sheba painting featuring a mastiff. Here, they were often used as symbols of status, devotion and loyalty, indicative of deeper moral values within.

Renaissance art portrayed dogs as courageous and noble, loyal guardians with moral complexity, such as in Paolo Veronese’s Wedding Feast at Cana, while the Bolognese breed was a particular favourite, appearing in all sorts of portraits, including Titian’s Venus and Cupid with Organist and Dog.

Fast forward to the Victorian era and dogs weren’t simply features of major works of art… they formed the basis for the works themselves! 

Take a look at Edwin Landseer’s Old Shepherd’s Chief Mourner, for example, or Arthur Wardle’s The Totteridge (famous for its gorgeous fox terriers). 

And then, of course, in more modern times dogs have proven to be inspirational for all sorts of household names, including Picasso (whose minimalist drawing of his dachshund Lump is renowned the world over) and Andy Warhol (another stalwart sausage dog fan). 

You may also be very familiar with David Hockney’s Dog Days work… a must for any canine enthusiast!

So, as you can see, our antique print collection of mid-century dogs is in most excellent company indeed! We feature some of the most popular breeds going, everything from the pug and pomeranian to the golden retriever, sheepdog, greyhound and spaniel. 

All pieces are made to order in a beautiful antique-style gold bobbin frame and colourful mount with art glass glazing. The colour of mount will depend on the breed of pup you go for, but whoever you choose you’ll be blessed with a beautiful work of art for your walls.

And don’t forget to pop on over to Instagram to say hi to the Giddy Prints main pooch herself, Moira. She can often be found modelling alongside our favourite products - so come along and give her a virtual pat on the head!