The oldest known painting of an animal is of the ‘warty pig ‘, thought to be painted 45,000 years ago in an Indonesian cave. There are also paintings of humans with goats and horses which appear to be domesticated, dating from Babylonia 3500 BC. In ancient Egypt cats were depicted in many works of art, they were idolised but only the Pharaoh could own one. Both Greek and Roman cultures in 800 BC showed their fondness for dogs by painting them on pottery or making mosaics of them.
In the Middle Ages dogs began to be painted with their noble owners, showing that they were companions, rather than merely hunting aids. (Cats at this time however were frequently drawn with frightening anthropomorphic facial expressions to emphasise their wild nature). During the Renaissance it became increasing common for certain animals to be kept purely for their companionship and affection, by royalty and the aristocracy. There are many antique oil paintings from this time which include dogs, often positioned at the feet of their owners as symbols of loyalty and fidelity. Horses and dogs continued to be included in portraiture from this time onwards, not only as companions but also as indicators of wealth and status.
By the 1780’s farm animal portraits also became fashionable. Breeds started to be regularised and categorised and keen livestock breeders went to great lengths to produce the best animal they could. The farm portrait became an excellent way of promoting their achievements and breeding lines. To this end animals were painted in profile, so that their size and proportions could be admired and clearly understood. One of the earliest animals of the genre to be portrayed in this way was the ‘Lincolnshire Ox’ by George Stubbs in 1791, which is a wonderful example of English antiques at their finest.
By the Victorian period dogs, cats and rabbits were frequently included in antique oil painting portraits. Dogs were very popular, particularly as Queen Victoria was widely known to be a lover of several dog breeds - particularly Dachshunds, Pomeranians and Scottish Deerhound. During this time animal portraiture became more personal and affectionate, moving away from purely symbolic representation towards a representation motivated by character.
The appeal of animal portraiture continued on through the twentieth century with artists working in a range of mediums and styles - from formal antique oil paintings to watercolours, gouaches, ink drawings and pencil sketches, with collectors drawn to both the charm and individuality of these works. Whether formal or naïve in style, they remain highly decorative. Such works of art are amongst the most sought after antique decorative items. Of the various antique paintings for sale which I currently stock this particular portrait of a West Highland White Terrier is, I think, is one of my favourites, he has a likeable but mischevious look about him. In the Art/Other section there are also several rather lovely drawings of dogs - Lurchers, Bull dogs, Greyhounds, Borzois, Setters, Jack Russells and some other animals - Antelopes and even a Rhinocerous print. Do take a moment to find out more about them, and the other antique paintings for sale at Mist Antiques.