National Dog Day: An Homage in Art (I)
In honor of National Dog Day, my memory went back to Coco. T. Dog, a rescue spaniel who I had been with since returning to America. He died two years ago, at the age of about 16, but the memory of his so-graphic face is always with me. In fact, that face, had it been seen by painters through the ages, might have been inspiration.
May I present a few examples, starting with the portrait above?
- “Blue Dog”, by Thomas Gainsborough. Through the use of subtle shadows, and a puzzled look from the subject (mainly because a T-shirt was thrown over its head), the famed British artist depicts a young cur in the throes of bafflement.
2. “The (About to) Scream” In this portrait, the subject is enticed by the name of the artist, Edward Munch. “Munch”, in fact, is exactly what Coco T. Dog does when presented with his daily diet. The “about to scream” emotion comes because the food is being prepared but isn’t yet in his bowl.
3. “The Festival In Bruges” (Detail), by Franz Hals. Franz Hals was reputed for depicting merry folks celebrating at festivals throughout the Flemish countryside. In this detail, the dog, posing as an Alderman, has had a few drinks too many and is laughing joyously with his friends.
4. “Howl Festival” Graffiti (Anonymous): Oh, how I wish I knew the artist of this brilliant graffiti. It was posted on the wall during the “Howl Festival” in 2012, in Tompkins Park, East Village, New York, and catches Coco T. Dog the way he would like to be caught. If anybody knows the artist, please, please contact this Blog’s creator (harolnick@cs.com), where due credit will be given
5. “The Philosopher At Rest:” An 18th Century picture, somewhat faded since it was painted originally on a fire hydrant in Paris and…er…utilized by other dogs of the district. Anyhow, the portrait is of the philosopher Blaise Pascal. According to the artist, the philosopher is working on his thoughts, when a knock is heard at the door. It is Marie, his servant, offering a cup of coffee. Pascal is vaguely annoyed, but ever the Gentilchien, asks Marie to leave the cup at the door and he will retrieve it later. The artist depicts the philosopher exactly at this moment.
This Post will be continued later.
