The Dog

Following Tate’s recent publication Love, this new selection of works showcases the most endearing, thoughtful, and amusing depictions of dogs drawn from Tate’s collection. Divided into key themes - “Hounds of the Hunt,” “Painterly Pooches,” “Princely Pups,” “Man’s Best Friend,” “Moping Mutts,” “Working Like a Dog,” “Lap Dogs at Leisure,” “Mystical Mutts,” and “Loyal Fido” - this little book considers how dogs have been the animal companion of choice for millennia and how their position as hunter, signifier of status, and friend has influenced artists. Works of art - including paintings, drawings, sculptures, illustrations, and installations - are introduced by a brief introduction text at the beginning of the chapter, adding background detail or additional information about the art, artists, and their subjects. Featured artists include: Edwin Henry Landseer, Sidney Nolan, Chris Killip, Giacomo Amiconi, Hamo Thornycroft, William Hogarth, Joshua Reynolds, Cedric Morris, Peter Doig, and Edward Ruscha. Sometimes traditional, sometimes contemporary, often touching and occasionally telling, placed together these beautiful images create a fascinating and enlightening journey through the visual portrayal of canines in Western art.