Dogs in Art
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In museums, I love to look for links between the past and present – elements we have in common with our ancestors. On a recent visit to the wonderful Fitzwilliam Gallery in Cambridge, 3 contrasting artistic depictions of dogs caught my eye. They made me wonder how far back we can trace the relationship between dogs and humans in art. A cursory online search showed me that the domestication of animals began with the long-term association between wolves and hunter–gatherers more than 15,000 years ago.
A prehistoric painting estimated to be 9,000 years old found at the Bhimbetka rock shelters in India depicts a dog held on a leash by a man.
In the Egyptology section of the Fitzwilliam, the dog that caught my eye was the little copper alloy figure shown above centre. The caption informed me that it represents the dog star, Sirius, but to me, with her clear row of teats, she looks more like a pet.
Pets were considered by the ancient Egyptians as gifts from the gods to be cared for until their death, when they were expected to be returned to the divine realm from which they had come. As well as dogs and cats, kept animals monkeys, fish, gazelles, birds (especially falcons), lions, mongoose, and hippos as pets! In life, pets were well cared for and, at their death, were often mummified in the same way as people. The museum held many examples of mummified pets, including small crocodiles!
Ancient Greeks and Romans favoured dogs as pets; they’re often seen in art as symbols of fidelity. In Homer's Odyssey, only Odysseus’ dog, Argos, recognised him when he returned home in disguise after his travels. This is often depicted on ancient Greek vases.
Medieval tile
The next dog that caught my eye in the museum was this outlandish fellow shown on a medieval tile. Is his tail between his legs? The way he’s looking back, probably at his master, reminded me of the mixture of guilt and defiance our dog, Pinto, used to show when she’d been naughty. What me?
Detail from The Twins, Kate and Grace Hoare, 1876, John Everett Millais
But my favourite dog at the museum was this gorgeous deerhound in a painting of twin women dressed for a walk, by John Everett Millais. It’s an arresting painting of the women but I was enchanted by how Millais captured the character of the dog. He reminds me of my daughter’s dog, Olaf, with his gentle, intelligent, slightly forlorn look.
