August 26 is National Dog Day, and we couldn’t help but notice the many dogs that roam the Museum’s collection. Across centuries and cultures, dogs have been used repeatedly in works of art as signs of protection and companionship. The dogs in our collection are found in art dating from 200 B.C. to present day, weaving a common thread between ancient times and our daily lives. From photographs and paintings to even whistles and couches, dogs are found in unexpected ways throughout the BMA. Despite their differences, each of these dogs has one thing in common: they are all sure to make us smile.
Here are 10 dogs from our collection to celebrate National Dog Day! How many can you find in our galleries?
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“Sleeping Dog Couch,” Vito Acconci, United States, born 1940. Carpet, leather, wood. BMA collection, 1999.44.
“John Grogan, A Patriot and his Dog, Ireland” (1980) Alen MacWeeney, Ireland. Gelatin silver print. BMA collection, 1982.224.9.
“Pug Dog Family” (1740/50), Royal Porcelain Manufactory Meissen (est. 1710). Meissan (Saxony), Germany. Hard-paste porcelain with enamel decoration and gilding, with gilt bronze mounts. Eugenia Woodward Hitt Collection. 1991.52.1-2.
“Dog” (about 100 BC), Chinese, Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Earthenware. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Marhsall Garrett. 1984.9.
“Man And Dog / South Carolina,” Elliott Erwitt, United States, born 1928. Photograph. BMA collection 1986.1158.3.
“Paperweight” (1845/55), Mägdesprung foundry (operated 1646-1872). Mägdesprung, Germany. Cast iron. Gift of American Cast Iron Pipe Company. 1986.250.1
“Vessel in the Form of a Dog” (200 BC-AD100), Colima culture, Mexico, earthenware and slip. BMA collection 1986.7.
François-Hubert Drouais (French 1727-1775), Les Portraits de MM. de Béthune jouant avec un chien (Portraits of Marquis Béthune’s Children Playing with a Dog), 1761. Oil on canvas. Eugenia Woodward Hitt Collection, 1991.254
“Dog’s Head Whistle,” Derby porcelain manufactory, William Duesbury. Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the BMA, AFI359.1998.
