The Dog

Dogs have been the animal companion of choice for millenia. For just as long artists have been creating an array of captivating images capturing their position as hunter, signifier of status or fidelity, religious image of purity and above all, loyal friend. From pampered pooches to working dogs, stately hounds and moping mutts, this charming little book brings together a selection of the most endearing, thoughtful and amusing images of dogs drawn from Tate’s collection.

Featuring a wide variety of work from artists including Edwin Henry Landseer, Sidney Nolan, Chris Killip, Giacomo Amiconi, Hamo Thornycroft, William Hogarth, Joshua Reynolds, Cedric Morris, Peter Doig and Edward Ruscha, images of compassion, bravery, loyalty and joy accompanied by short, insightful texts, track how the dog has influenced artists around the world, and shed light on our relationship with these sentient, emotional creatures so loved by us. Sometimes traditional, sometimes contemporary, often touching and occasionally telling, placed together these beautiful images are a fascinating and joyful visual journey through the portrayal of canines in Western art, and are the perfect homage to man’s best friend.