Maybe a Dog

Anthony van Dyck, James Stuart, Duke of Richmond and Lennox, Oil on canvas | MMA 89.15.16

Van Dyck’s portrait of the Duke of Richmond and Lennox presents the duke as the embodiment of aristocratic composure and effortless elegance. His blond lovelock falls gracefully over a lace collar, and he prominently displays the insignia of the Order of the Garter—England’s highest order of chivalry—possibly marking his investiture in November 1633. A greyhound rests its muzzle on the duke’s hip, symbolizing loyalty and evoking the noble pastime of hunting. Together, these elements offer insight into the duke’s character and refined interests.

The greyhound is a sleek, athletic breed known for its exceptional speed and graceful build. Originally bred for hunting and coursing game, greyhounds have long been associated with nobility and aristocracy. Their slender frame, deep chest, and long legs allow them to reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest dog breeds. Despite their racing background, greyhounds are gentle, affectionate, and surprisingly calm companions. Their quiet demeanor and low-maintenance grooming needs make them well-suited for domestic life. Often symbolizing loyalty and elegance in art and heraldry, the greyhound remains a noble and beloved breed.

Unconditional Love and Companionship:  (PRO)

Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. They form strong emotional bonds with their owners, providing constant companionship and support. Their affectionate nature can significantly  improve your emotional well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.

François Hubert Drouais , Boy with a Black Spaniel, c. 1767 Oil on canvas | MMA 49.7.48

Art critic Denis Diderot rarely praised renowned portraitist Drouais, but  he did admire Drouais's skill in painting children. Diderot particularly appreciated how Drouais brought life and depth to their eyes, making  them appear to be gazing and smiling simultaneously.

In  this painting, Drouais skillfully captures the same captivating eyes in  both the child and a puppy cradled in the child's arms. This painting  is likely an authentic replica of Drouais's work exhibited at the Salon  of 1767, dated 1766.

Take your Dog With You 

Improved Mental Health: 

Interacting with dogs has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. Spending time with a dog can boost serotonin and dopamine levels, leading to reduced stress and an overall sense of happiness.  Additionally, the responsibility of caring for a dog can provide structure and purpose, which can be especially beneficial for individuals dealing with mental health issues.

Jan Steen , Merry Company on a Terrace, c. 1670

Oil on canvas | MMA 58.89

Jan Steen was a master of self-deprecating humor, often portraying the lively disorder of his own household. In Merry Company on a Terrace, the central figure is Steen’s wife, who gazes directly at the viewer while holding an empty wineglass—a gesture that hints at the revelry. Steen appears at the far left, his cheeks flushed from drinking and wearing a comical hat. Beside him stands Hans Worst, a theatrical character borrowed from popular farce, identifiable by the sausage in his cap. A scruffy little dog barks up at the group, adding to the sense of chaos. With its tousled fur and animated stance, the dog not only enhances the boisterous atmosphere but also serves as a visual counterpart to the human disorder. The painting humorously captures the messiness of family life—a theme so enduring that the Dutch still use the phrase “a household by Jan Steen” to describe a noisy, disorganized home.

A cocker spaniel mix is a crossbreed that combines the cocker spaniel’s affectionate nature with traits from another breed, resulting in a unique blend of temperament, size, and appearance. These dogs are typically friendly, intelligent, and eager to please, making them excellent companions for families or individuals. Their energy levels can vary, but most enjoy regular play and exercise. They often inherit the cocker spaniel’s soft, wavy coat and expressive eyes, requiring moderate grooming. With proper training and socialization, cocker spaniel mixes are loyal, loving pets known for their gentle demeanor and adaptability in a variety of home environments.

Time Commitment:  (Con)

Dogs require a significant time commitment. They need daily exercise, mental  stimulation, and social interaction to stay happy and healthy. If you  have a busy lifestyle or travel frequently, it can be challenging to  provide the necessary care and attention that a dog requires.

Jean Honoré Fragonard, The Love Letter, c. 1770

Oil on canvas | MMA 49.7.49

In Fragonard’s paintings, the level of finish is often deliberately varied. In The Love Letter, he uses energetic brushstrokes of varying thickness over a brown underlayer. These strokes skillfully capture the sunlight illuminating key elements: the woman’s cap, powdered face, flowers, dress, and the dog. Rather than a traditional portrait, this work is a genre scene, portraying everyday life. It reflects a popular 18th-century theme—the love letter. Appreciation of the painting extends beyond its subject to admire Fragonard’s masterful technique and his ability to vividly convey the moment.

The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog breed known for its fluffy white coat and friendly personality. Originating in the Mediterranean region, the breed became popular among European nobility, especially in France. Bichons are affectionate, playful, and highly social, making them excellent companions and family pets. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming to maintain its soft, curly texture. Despite their small size, they have a lively, confident demeanor and enjoy playtime and walks. Intelligent and eager to please, Bichon Frises respond well to training. Their joyful nature and charming appearance have made them beloved pets worldwide.

Enhanced Social Life: (PRO)

Dogs  are natural icebreakers and can help improve your social life. While  walking your dog in the neighborhood or visiting dog parks, you're  likely to meet other dog owners, giving you opportunities to socialize  and make new friends. Dog-related events and gatherings can create a  sense of community among pet owners.

Giacomo Ceruti, A Woman with a Dog, c.1740

Oil on canvas | MMA 30.15

Giacomo Ceruti was nicknamed "Pitocchetto" (the little beggar) for his  realistic paintings of people from the lower classes. This painting shows a maidservant carrying her mistress's dog. The painting is direct and unidealized, and it combines humor in the depiction of the spoiled animal and the woman's unflattering display of teeth. However, there is also an unexpected dignity conveyed through her direct gaze and confidently outstretched hand. Ceruti's personality remains somewhat mysterious, but his artworks were eagerly collected by enthusiasts across northern Italy.

Heavy Duty Indestructible Dog Crate

Responsibility and Limitations: (CON)

Dogs are living beings that depend on their owners for their well-being. This responsibility means you need to be available to care for your dog consistently. It may limit your freedom to travel, go out spontaneously, or even work long hours without considering your pet's needs.

Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Princess Varvara Nikolaevna Gagarina, c. 1780 Oil on canvas | MMA 65.242.3

Jean-Baptiste Greuze never traveled to Russia, so it is likely that Varvara Nikolaevna Golitsyna who married married Prince Sergei Sergeyevich Gagarin visited Paris shortly before or after her wedding. The portrait shows her in a  formal pose, and her dress resembles the dresses worn by Marie Antoinette in the early 1780s. Tragically, she passed away at the young  age of thirty-nine.

A Cavapoo is a popular designer breed, a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (usually miniature or toy). Friendly, affectionate, and intelligent, Cavapoos are easy to train and great for families, seniors, or apartment living. They have soft, wavy or curly coats that shed minimally and expressive, endearing eyes. Typically weighing 10 to 20 pounds, they thrive on companionship, need regular grooming, and enjoy moderate daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Financial Costs: (CON)

Owning  a dog can be expensive. Beyond the initial cost of acquiring the dog,  there are ongoing expenses for food, grooming, veterinary care,  vaccinations, training, toys, and other supplies. Unexpected medical  emergencies can also be financially draining.

Angelica Kauffmann, Twelfth Earl and Countess of Derby, c. 1776, Oil on canvas | MMA 59.189.2

A young aristocratic family poses for a portrait in a room adorned with classical references. The countess’s dress reflects classical influences, while her husband wears a fashionable outfit reminiscent of styles seen in Van Dyck’s portraits from a century earlier. Although the painting conveys an image of refined domestic happiness, the reality was less harmonious. Just two years after the portrait was completed, the countess left her husband for a lover. Following her death, he remarried the actress Elizabeth Farren—whose portrait also resides in The Met’s collection.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known as the English Toy Spaniel, is a small, affectionate dog breed with royal roots. Popular in the English court from the 16th century onward, they were favored companions of monarchs—including King Charles II, after whom they are named. These dogs are known for their domed heads, short snouts, large dark eyes, and silky, feathered coats, which come in four color varieties: Blenheim, Prince Charles, King Charles, and Ruby.

King Charles Spaniels are gentle, loyal, and enjoy being close to their owners. While they are calm indoors, they still benefit from daily walks and play. They thrive on companionship and can become anxious if left alone for long periods. Ideal for quiet households or city living, they are both charming lapdogs and elegant reminders of aristocratic life.

Increased Physical Activity: (PRO)

Owning  a dog encourages you to lead a more active lifestyle. Regular walks,  playtime, and outdoor activities with your furry friend can help improve  your physical fitness. The daily exercise is not only beneficial for  the dog's health but also for yours, promoting cardiovascular health and  overall well-being.

Giacomo Ceruti , An Old Man with a Dog, c. 1740

Oil on canvas | MMA 2019.263

In this painting, we see an elderly man gently cradling his pug close to his face,  reminiscent of how we might pose for a photograph with our beloved  pets. After relocating to Venice in 1736, he was exposed to the pan-European fascination with foreign attire, which is subtly referenced  in the acorn-shaped buttons on the man's coat. While departing from his  earlier grittier subjects, Ceruti continued to skillfully capture the  expressive and sentimental aspects of individual faces. An artistic touch is evident as Ceruti inscribes delicate swirls into the man's  beard using the wet paint on the handle end of his brush.

Dog Training Suit

Damage and Mess: (CON)

Dogs, especially puppies and young dogs, may chew on furniture, shoes, and  other household items. They can shed fur, track mud, and create messes indoors. Training and proper management can help mitigate these issues,  but they are still potential challenges to consider.