Lesson 6 Ye Olde Dogs: A Contradiction in Art

There are many depictions of dogs in Medieval art. These depiction are not only allegorical and realistic. Some of the dogs in these pieces are real. Dogs that lived and died and were loved by their owners. These dogs are interesting and their relationship with their owners are interesting. In addition to theses real dogs there are the allegorical dogs. These dogs are more of a morality tale. They were uses to show the artist's or patron's idea of the morality of the situation depicted in the piece. 

Basic Dog Depictions

Source: Here

These dogs were important to the artists and patrons because it allowed them to communicate clearly their moral and ideas in an age of highly religious art. This religiosity did cause problems for the depiction of dogs. Because Christianity, specifically Catholicism, was the reining religion of the time the art reflected the values and view of this religion. Dogs were effected by these values. In the religious texts of Catholicism, mainly the Old and New Testament, dogs are seen as guiltiness, violent, and ungodly. These ideas of dogs contradicted with the notions of loyalty and love that many people saw in their own dogs. These dogs became more of a mediator for morality. Take for example this Renaissance painting of the Good Samaritan. 

The Good Man and his Dog, Donkey, and small Child

Source: Here

This piece is a depiction of a Bible story of charity to those whom you may judge or may judge you. This piece is wonderful constructed but what we are focusing on here is the dog. The dog is likely the Samaritan's. This is because the Jewish traveler was robbed of all he had. The context of this story helps us to infer who's dog it is and what it represents. One many think that the man may be ungodly, but this was a parable told by Jesus. This story was meant to teach that it is important to have love and charity towards those whom you may seem to be against, but need help. The animals in this scene punctuate that idea. The donkey is hard working and steady what this man seems to be as he is saving the life of a stranger. The dog represents loyalty and love for strangers. These animals provide context to this piece and helps to further the impact of the piece. It is a lot to stop with such a rumbustious party as the one the Samaritan has. 

Dogs that were depicted with their owners are an interesting case as well. These animals were more connected to their owners lives not an easy short hand for an artist to add to a painting. Dogs could denote wealth based on their purpose. Of you were a Lord or Lady you likely housed many animals. There would be hunting hounds, horses, birds, and maybe a few pigs in your dominion. There may also be the pet dog. This dog unlike the other animals listed didn't have a purpose besides being your company. These dogs had the difficult job of sitting at the fire all day. These pets were well loved by their owners. One such owner was Mary of Burgundy. She was a Duchess who lived in what is now France. She had many dogs. These dogs were depicted in some of her portraits and her other depictions. She is an example of a loving and dotting dog. In addition to the pet dog there were hunting dogs. 

Hunting Hounds with Master

Source: Here

This piece is rather odd as many Medieval works often are but what is ver interesting is the presence of collars on the dogs. This shows that these dogs were important to their owner. These collars would provide them with an easy way to be identified. This shows the level of care that was put into identifying these dogs. 

Dogs in Medieval art are interesting. The are a contradiction in what they represent and how they can be perceived. They are a show of wealth when they are just pets. They can represent loyalty or violence, love or wildness. These dogs and their depictions reflect the time they were in. The Medieval era was one of constant contradictions. These dog provide a magnification of these contradictions.