Maybe a Dog

Van  Dyck's portrait of the Duke of Richmond and Lennox depicts the duke as  the epitome of aristocratic composure and casual ease. The duke's blonde  lovelock cascades over his lace collar, and he proudly displays the  emblem of the Order of the Garter, England's highest order of chivalry.  This portrait may commemorate his investiture in November 1633.

The  presence of a greyhound resting its muzzle on the duke's hip symbolizes  the virtues of loyalty and alludes to the noble pursuit of hunting.  These symbols reflect aspects of the duke's character and interests.

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.

Jan  Steen was a master of self-deprecating humor, and his paintings often  depicted his own chaotic household. In the painting "Merry Company on a  Terrace," the focal point is Steen's wife, who gazes at the viewer while  holding an empty wineglass. Steen himself is positioned at the far  left, his face flushed from drinking and wearing a comical hat.  Alongside him is Hans Worst, a theatrical character recognizable from a  nearby work by Hals, sporting a sausage in his cap.

The  painting is a humorous and relatable representation of family life, and  it captures the chaos and disorder that can sometimes be found in even  the most well-intentioned households. The phrase "a household by Jan  Steen" is still used in the Netherlands today to describe a chaotic and  disorderly home, a testament to the enduring impact of Steen's work.

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.

In  Fragonard's paintings, the degree of "finish" is relative. In his  painting "The Love Letter," the artist applies energetic brushstrokes of  varying thickness over a brown tone. These brushstrokes skillfully  capture the sunlight that illuminates the central elements of the  canvas: the woman's cap, powdered face, flowers, dress, and the dog.

It  is important to view this painting not as a traditional portrait, but  as a genre scene. Genre scenes depict everyday life, and "The Love  Letter" captures a significant theme of the eighteenth century: the love  letter. The appreciation of this artwork goes beyond the subject  matter; it is also about admiring Fragonard's painting technique and how  he skillfully depicts the scene.

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.

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.

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.

A  young aristocratic family poses for a portrait in a room decorated with  classical allusions. The countess's dress hints at a classical  influence, while her husband wears a stylish costume reminiscent of the  fashion seen in Van Dyck's portraits from a century earlier. The  painting presents a fashionable portrayal of domestic happiness, but the  marriage was far from harmonious. Two years after the portrait was  painted, the countess left her husband for a lover. After her death, he  remarried the actress Elizabeth Farren, whose portrait is also at The  Met.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.