Dogs in Art

by Delaynna Trim, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Curator

Since I talked about cats in art last month, it is only fair that I discuss dogs in art this time.

Dogs were also important in Egyptian culture. Anubis, the jackal-headed god, was the protector of graves, the embalmer, and he weighed people’s souls to determine if they entered the realm of the dead. The dog breeds that we believe the Ancient Egyptians had were the Basenji, Greyhound, Ibizan, Pharaoh, Saluki, Whippet, and the Molossian. This is based on visual evidence – tomb paintings, sculptures, and reliefs. A few dogs were mummified like the cats.

In Roman culture dogs were popular. Many frescoes and mosaics have been found featuring dogs. The Roman breeds of dogs included the Molossus, a Mastiff-like dog; the Laconian, a type of hound; the Meliton, a Maltese-like lap dog; the Vertragus, a type of greyhound from the British Isles; and the Cane Corso, a dog similar to the Molossus. The Molossus and Laconian were used as hunting dogs and to protect the livestock. Both breeds originally came from Greece. There is a popular myth that Marcus Aurelius used the Molossus in battle, equipping them with spiked metal collars and mail armor for protection. There is no proof that Marcus Aurelius actually used dogs in battle, but we do know they accompanied the legions into war as guard dogs.

The MGMoA has two small metal dogs which date to the Roman times. They could have been a toy for a child or a memento to remind someone of their own dog.

Dogs continued to be popular into the Medieval times. Medieval nobility prized dogs for their hunting abilities so dogs as varied as the Irish Wolfhound and the Italian Greyhound were popular. Mastiffs and Alaunts were popular as guard dogs. Spaniels were popular in hawking or falconry.

By the Renaissance, small lap dogs were popular. They were often found in portraits of ladies as a symbol of loyalty.

Some artists painted dogs in Christian paintings to symbolize faith and watchfulness. Sometimes they are used to show faithful and industrious companions.

But dogs have been popular all around the world. The Chinese have had pet dogs since the Neolithic times. There are many mentions of hunting dogs during the Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). A xigou was a popular hunting dog for rabbits and small prey. During the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911), the Pekingese became very fashionable. Even members of the imperial court had Pekingese pet dogs.

Do you have a dog? What is your favorite breed of dog?

For a video on how to create a paper dog and more dog crafts, check out www.mgmoa.org/art-projects/

Paper Roll Dog

Supplies: toilet paper or paper towel roll, paint, paper, scissors, glue (optional – googly eyes)

Paint the roll the color of the dog you want.

Cut out a paper tail, ears, and two circles for paws.

Color the tail, ears, and paws.

When the paint is dry, paint a nose, mouth, and eyes (unless you use googly eyes).

Glue the ears, tail, and paws onto the paper roll.