Introduction
The Portrait of Dogs exhibition at The Wallace Collection in London showcases works depicting dogs throughout history. Curated by Xavier Bray, Chief Curator at The Wallace Collection, it brings together around 25 paintings, drawings, and objects featuring canines from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
The exhibition provides a glimpse into the special relationship between humans and dogs across the centuries. It features artworks from renowned artists like Hogarth, Stubbs, and Landseer as well as lesser known masters. From regal portraits of royal lapdogs to scenes of hunting dogs at work, the pieces tell rich stories about dogs’ roles in Western art and society.
About the Exhibition
The “Portrait of Dogs” exhibition features over 100 paintings, drawings, and sculptures depicting dogs throughout history. It originated at the National Gallery in London before touring to various museums around the UK. According to World of Interiors, the exhibition includes works by famous artists such as David Hockney and George Stubbs.
The purpose of the exhibition is to showcase the enduring popularity of dogs as subjects in art. It brings together a wide range of styles and media featuring all breeds of dogs. Some pieces capture the everyday lives of dogs while others depict them as symbols or companions. There is a particular focus on 18th and 19th century British portraiture of sporting and working dogs of the aristocracy.
Featured Artists
The Portrait of Dogs exhibition features works by several renowned dog portraitists from the 18th to 20th centuries. Some of the key artists include:
George Stubbs (1724-1806) – Stubbs was one of the most famous British portrait painters of the 18th century. He is best known for his intricate and anatomically precise paintings of horses and dogs. His famous work ‘Turk, a dog belonging to the Duke of Rutland’ is featured in the exhibition. Stubbs captures the alertness and nobility of the hunting dog in exquisite detail.
Edwin Landseer (1802-1873) – Landseer was a prominent Victorian era painter known for his portraits of animals and wildlife. The exhibition includes his 1838 painting ‘A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society’, which depicts a Newfoundland dog who participated in many dramatic river rescues. Landseer’s loose brushstrokes and warm coloring bring out the dog’s kind personality.
Maud Earl (1863-1943) – Earl was the first female professional animal painter in Britain. She was commissioned to paint the royal corgis and other dogs of Queen Victoria. The exhibition features her painting ‘Don, A Favorite of Queen Victoria’, capturing the alertness and loyalty of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Cecil Aldin (1870-1935) – Aldin was an English artist and illustrator who specialized in scenes of rural life featuring dogs. His painting ‘Returning Home’ is featured, depicting a group of dogs walking along a country road after a day spent hunting.
Notable Works
Some of the most iconic pieces featured in the Portrait of Dogs exhibition include Celia by Sir Edwin Landseer, which depicts a spaniel gazing directly at the viewer, and Boxer Dogs by English animal painter Arthur Wardle, capturing two dogs mid-play.(https://www.worldofinteriors.com/story/things-to-do-uk-march-2023)
David Hockney, one of Britain’s most renowned contemporary artists, has several of his colorful dog portraits in the show, like the geometric Dog Painting 41 from 1995. Hockney is well-known for capturing the personalities of his subjects through bold, minimalist backgrounds. (https://www.worldofinteriors.com/story/things-to-do-uk-march-2023)
Other standouts pointed out on social media include Boy and Rabbit by Joshua Reynolds, portraying a young boy with his pet rabbit on a leash, and Pride of Foot by Maud Earl, which depicts a regal greyhound.(https://www.tiktok.com/discover/dog-portrait-the-wallace)
Exhibition History
The Portrait of Dogs exhibition was first held at The Wallace Collection in London, England in 2022. It was curated by Dr Xavier Bray, Director of The Wallace Collection, and Toby Parker, Curator of The Wallace Collection. The exhibition brought together around 50 paintings depicting dogs from the late 15th to the early 19th century from The Wallace Collection’s permanent collection as well as loans from private collections.
Highlights of the exhibition in London included two paintings by Jean-Baptiste Huet showing the Comte d’Artois with his dog, and A Girl Holding a Dog by William Hogarth. The London exhibition received excellent reviews, with The Telegraph describing it as “an endearing, beautifully curated treat”.
After the Wallace Collection, the Portrait of Dogs exhibition will travel to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes in France where it will be displayed from October 2022 to January 2023. The exhibition will include additional artworks from French collections to complement the paintings from The Wallace Collection.
Themes and Styles
The Portrait of Dogs exhibition explores a variety of themes and art styles related to man’s best friend. Some of the overarching themes present include:
Companionship – Many works showcase the close bonds between dogs and their human families. Paintings depict dogs as loyal friends, confidants, and protectors.
Dignity – The works aim to capture the inherent dignity and nobility of dogs. Rather than comic or cute portrayals, the dogs are depicted with grace and majesty.
Joy – Scenes of dogs at play exude a sense of delight and enthusiastic energy. The animal’s natural exuberance shines through.
Working Roles – Some pieces spotlight the important jobs dogs do for humans, like herding, hunting, sledding, and more. The focus is on their intelligence, skill, and concentration.
As for artistic styles, many paintings are realist with lifelike detail and accuracy. However, some trend more stylized or abstract, using bold colors and imaginative interpretations of the canine form.
Visitor Experience
The Portrait of Dogs exhibition offers an immersive experience for visitors who want to admire the artistry and bond between humans and dogs. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the sounds of dogs barking, providing an auditory backdrop to the visual splendor within. The lighting is designed to illuminate each portrait and highlight the emotional connection between each dog and its human companion.
Visitors can leisurely stroll through multiple galleries showcasing different artistic styles and mediums. Descriptive plaques provide details on each portrait subject and the story behind their relationship with the artist. Some galleries have cozy seating areas where people can relax and reflect on their favorite pieces.
In addition to the portrait galleries, there are interactive stations where visitors can create their own dog portraits. Supplies like paint, colored pencils, and canvases allow people to tap into their own creativity. The exhibition also features a photo booth where guests can take pictures with prop dogs and frames related to famous portraits. Quality Time – an R&B artist will perform two 25 minute sets a day during the show using his music to capture the spirit of the human dog bond.
By the end, visitors will come away with an appreciation for the nuances of expressing love between dogs and their owners through fine art. The Portrait of Dogs exhibition offers an inspiring and uplifting experience for all who attend. According to one visitor, “it’s a heartwarming exhibition that will make any dog lover smile and reflect on their own special bond with their furry friend.”
Location and Dates
The Portrait of Dogs exhibition is being held at The Wallace Collection in London, located at Hertford House, Manchester Square, Marylebone, London W1U 3BN. The exhibition dates are from 8 March 2023 through 15 October 2023.
According to the invitation on Instagram, The Wallace Collection is hosting this upcoming exhibition on Portrait of Dogs from March 8th through October 15th, 2023. The Instagram post provides the location as The Wallace Collection in London.
Ticket Prices
Tickets for the “Portrait of Dogs” exhibition typically start at around £15 for adults and £5 for children. There are several discounts available as well:
- Students and seniors can get discounted tickets for £12.
- Families of 4+ can get a group discount rate of £10 per ticket.
- Members of the museum get free admission to all special exhibitions.
Advanced tickets can be purchased on the museum’s website. Tickets are dated for specific days, so visitors should plan ahead. Tickets purchased at the door are slightly higher at £18 for adults.
Overall, the “Portrait of Dogs” exhibition offers very reasonable ticket prices, especially with the discounts available. Getting tickets in advance online is recommended for the best deals and to secure a spot.
Conclusion
The “Portrait of Dogs” exhibition celebrates our canine companions through a stunning collection of dog portraits in various mediums. This groundbreaking show features works by both renowned and emerging artists, displaying a range of styles from realism to abstraction. Visitors will enjoy discovering new artists while viewing familiar favorites.
With insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes stories, the exhibition provides a fascinating look at the intersection of art and our relationships with dogs. Don’t miss your chance to see these imaginative dog portraits in person. Secure your tickets today to view the talent and creativity on display at this one-of-a-kind show.