Dogs

Whether as a discreet presence in a scene or as the main subject, in the history of art the dog has never been simply an extra. Since antiquity, dogs have embodied many attributes, from loyalty, vigilance, and agility to playfulness and devotion. An integral part of daily human life, dogs have assumed roles that were both functional and domestic, as hunting companions, guards, or protectors. Gradually introduced into the intimate environment of urban homes during the nineteenth century, the dog has become a lifetime companion, considered as almost in possession of a soul. Through a selection of works from the collections of the Musée d'Orsay, this book explores the unique status dogs have acquired through the eyes of artists and reveals how painters and sculptors have captured their behavior and emotions, as well as the invisible ties that bind owners and their dogs.