Title: “Past, Present, and Partner”
Artist: Lauren Elizabeth
Medium: Oil on 1.5″ Deep Cradled Birchwood Panel
Size: 18″ x 24″ x 1.5″
Price: $2842.00 Contact National Purebred Dog Day to inquire about purchasing this piece.
Artist’s Thoughts: “The stories behind our treasured dog breeds are rich with history. Spend some time with this painting, and you will see some of their tales.
“The stoic Great Dane is hard to miss as it stands watch in its’ historic estate guardian uniform – a gilded, velvet-lined collar – while the German Shepherd Dog – a livestock guardian turned service and protection dog – offers the tiny Cottontail refuge from the hard stare of the rabbit-hunting Saluki.
“The quail, flushed from the long, feathered ears of the Saluki, does not go unnoticed by the Pointer, an esteemed bird hunter. The Portuguese Podengo – a deer-hunting dog – carries an antler with pride, while the cheeky Wire Fox Terrier – once transported in the saddlebags of fox hunters – basks in the glow of becoming one of the most popular dogs in film and one of the most winning breeds at Westminster.
“While the Wire Fox Terrier may have cultural royalty, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has truly aristocratic blood, wearing the crown of their British heritage. The rags-to-riches French Bulldog tells a more humble story of British lacemakers displaced by industrialization. The lace workers brought their toy bulldogs to France, where the little dogs earned their now well-known name and place as one of today’s most popular breeds.
“While “companion” has become the main job of most dogs originally bred to work, many still serve important functional purposes as hunting dogs, police dogs, stock dogs, guardian dogs, service dogs, protection dogs and guide dogs. Regardless of their current profession, breed history informs temperament just as much as aesthetic. You can see it in every purebred dog today, from the Wire Fox Terrier’s high standing tail and love of dirt to the Saluki’s keen eye, long legs, and independent spirit.
“Purebred dogs have been important allies in the advancement of mankind over the years, and they continue to serve purposes that no other human, animal or technology can replace. As long as we cultivate and protect their unique genetics, these dogs will continue to walk beside us – beloved partners in an ever-changing world.”
NPDDArt2020
I love both this picture and the artist’s story behind the picture. At first glance, this is a lovely portrait of fine examples of the groups, but as study continues, the rabbit, the bird, the antler all start to come into focus. And the artists thoughts confirm the story ….
Thank you Sylvie! So glad you appreciate the thought behind it. You can follow my work at facebook.com/conkberry and etsy.com/shop/conkberry!
I make everything from custom kennel logos to dog breed stickers and decals.
Lauren @ Conkberry