Dog Art 101 -Part 1
Every year, during the Westminster Dog Show, Bonham’s in New York holds a sale of dog-related
art. Here, collectors and specialized buyers come to purchase the very best in this particular field of art. The popularity
of this and other sales focusing on dog art work, proves the interest in this specialized area has not waned over the passing
years. From original oil paintings to prints, ceramics and bronze statuettes, the dog in art continues to draw in crowds of
canine and art lovers.
What Is Dog Art
Dog Art is the depiction of dogs throughout history in any art medium.
You will find a wide variety of both art work and articles at a typical dog art auction or sale. Dog art sales may contain
oil paintings, water colors, ceramic figurines and bronze statuettes. There can also be old trophies and medals, toys, antique
collars and many other dog-related items. Some sales concentrate on the work of some specific artists; others focus on the
output of an era. The common binding factor is the emphasis by the artist on the dog. The dog is the major subject of the
painting.
Dog Art, however, does tend to be restricted to specific times, artists and origins. The most prolific period
is that of the Victorian era (1850-1925). The most popular artists continue to be British. Although there are contemporary
and modern artists of the dog, the market is limited. There are very few buyers of modern dog art.
The Purpose of Collecting
Dog Art
There are many different reasons why people collect dog art. They range from individual to individual. There
are some who like the work of a specific artist. They collect only his portrayal of the dog. There are others who collect
dog art work from a particular era or decade. They enjoy, study or admire the works from a different perspective. For them,
it is all about seeing what certain breeds once looked like. They may even be following the development of one specific breed
of dog from its origins to the present day.
Divisions
Dog Art is divided into specific types of work. The common
thread running through each and every work is the depiction of the canine. The art work can be divided along period lines.
Works by the Old Masters pedate the beginning of the 19th century. The most popular and prolific era is the Victorian era.
This covers the years from 1850 to 1925.
The most common way to subdivide dog art however, is by theme or subject composition.
The art work is described as falling into one of at least 4 specific categories. They are sporting painting, Genre Scenes,
Portraits and Prints, Etchings, Engravings and Lithographs. Each particular genre of dog art has its talented artists. Each
division of this type of art attracts its own following. They concentrate their particular collection on a specific category
of dog art work for any number of reasons.
The second half of this article will describe the characteristics of each
of the divisions. It will also provide the names of the famous and sought after artists belonging to each category.
Information
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