This book is a tribute to the purebred dog in all its guises; in conformation dog shows, field and obedience trials and in the sporting world, as well as a loyal and loving companion and friend. It is also a testament to the many artists who, over a period of four hundred years, chose to use their unique insights and artistic skills to depict the dog on canvas, paper, and in porcelain and bronze.

This book is a tribute to the purebred dog in all its guises; in conformation dog shows, field and obedience trials and in the sporting world, as well as a loyal and loving companion and friend. It is also a testament to the many artists who, over a period of four hundred years, chose to use their unique insights and artistic skills to depict the dog on canvas, paper, and in porcelain and bronze.

Chronicled in this volume are the combined art collections of The American Kennel Club and The American Kennel Club Museum of The Dog, representing the largest repository of canine art in the world. Together their combined collections contain examples of virtually all the primary exponents of dog painting in America, Great Britain and, to a lesser extent, the continent of Europe. Because of this, William Secord has chosen to present the collections from an art historical perspective: from 17th century Holland, to the riches of 19th century England and America, and finally to the 20th century. While paintings predominate, the Animalier bronzes of 19th century France are well-represented, as are selected examples of fine porcelain. Included are paintings by such artists as George Earl, John Emms and Edwin Landseer, as well as bronzes by Antoine-Louis Barye and Emmanuel Fremiet.

  William Secord is the recognized expert on 19th century dog paintings. He has written and lectured extensively on the subject. His first book, Dog Painting 1840-1940: A Social History of the Dog in Art, is in its sixth printing, and his more recent Dog Painting: The European Breeds, its second. Since 1990, he has been the owner of the William Secord Gallery in New York City which specializes in the exhibition and sale of fine 19th century dog paintings.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

FOREWORD

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB MUSEUM OF THE DOG

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1: NORTH EUROPEAN ART

Chapter 2: PAINTING IN ENGLAND BEFORE LANDSEER

Chapter 3: LANDSEER AND 19TH CENTURY ENGLISH DOG PAINTING

Chapter 4: 19TH CENTURY AMERICAN DOG PAINTING

Chapter 5: 19TH CENTURY FRENCH DOG PAINTING AND BRONZES

Chapter 6: SPANNING THE CENTURIES

Chapter 7: 20TH CENTURY AND CONTEMPORARY DOG PAINTING AND BRONZES

ARTISTS’ BIOGRAPHIES

INDEX