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Bourgeois Breeds: 19th Century Artists and Their Love of Dogs

Stevo Perry
4 min readNov 26, 2023
Madame Georges Charpentier Her Children and a Dog by Renior. 1878

The 19th century was a time of profound change in the world of art. This period witnessed the emergence of Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and many other artistic movements, each leaving a distinct mark on the history of art. However, alongside these seismic shifts in the art world, another constant thread ran through the lives of many artists of the era — pets. From faithful dogs to aloof cats, these furry companions often played a significant role in the lives and works of 19th-century artists.

Lord Byron Had a Particular Effection for Dogs

The Romantic era was marked by a deep exploration of human emotions, nature, and the sublime. This period saw a notable bond between artists and their pets, often viewed as emotional touchstones in a tumultuous world. British poet Lord Byron, one of the central figures of Romanticism, was known for his deep affection for his Newfoundland dog, Boatswain. He even commissioned a monument to commemorate Boatswain, who succumbed to rabies.

Portrait of a Child and Dog by Constable

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Stevo Perry
Stevo Perry

Written by Stevo Perry

Steven writes humorous and helpful articles about pets, online retail and business. He isn’t afraid to share his mistakes and help others avoid the same.

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