Study of a Spaniel’s Head by Agostino Carracci - c. 1598 - 30.8 x 24.4 cm Kupferstichkabinett, National Museums in Berlin Study of a Spaniel’s Head by Agostino Carracci - c. 1598 - 30.8 x 24.4 cm Kupferstichkabinett, National Museums in Berlin

Study of a Spaniel’s Head

black pen, heightened with white, on blue paper • 30.8 x 24.4 cm
  • Agostino Carracci - 16 August 1557 - 22 March 1602 Agostino Carracci c. 1598

This is one of the most amazing drawings of a dog in the history of art! This study of a spaniel’s head captures an array of charming details: the animal’s long, hanging ears covered in curly fur; its faithful eyes gazing upwards; and its white and black fur. Although the animal’s likeness was evidently drawn from nature with tremendous, loving attention to detail, we should hesitate from assuming the work was intended as a portrait. Maybe of the artist's dog, who knows?

See you tomorrow!

Zuzanna

P.S. More cute depictions of dogs painted by famous artists throughout history you will find here. If you're a dog person you're gonna love it!