Collecting dogs as stamps and art

Throughout the centuries, dogs have played a prominent role in art, appearing in diverse artworks from different periods and styles, often symbolizing loyalty, protection, or serving as a status symbol. Artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol were inspired by dogs. Arthur Japin has written two books about dogs, the most recent of which is titled 'Dogs in the Museum'. Do you own a dog yourself? Or do you collect dogs as a theme? Or do you enjoy looking at artworks featuring dogs?

Important aspects of dogs in art

Symbolism: Dogs are often depicted with specific symbolic meanings. They represent guidance, protection, loyalty, faithfulness, vigilance, and love. In certain contexts, such as in sexually suggestive images, dogs can also symbolize lust and unchastity, similar to cats. The dog also appears in the Chinese zodiac.

Status and origin: Dogs were and are used as status symbols. Noble gentlemen were often depicted with large, strong dogs, while noblewomen were often given small, well-groomed lapdogs. These dogs emphasized the power of the lord and the refined character of the woman.

Engeland (1991) Dogs (paintings by George Stubbs)

George Stubbs (1724 – 1806) was an English painter, best known for his paintings of horses. A self-taught artist, Stubbs learned his skills independently of other great artists of the 18th century, such as Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough. Stubbs' oeuvre includes history paintings, but his greatest talent lay in painting animals (such as horses, dogs and lions), possibly influenced by his love of and study of anatomy. His series of paintings featuring a lion attacking a horse are early and important examples of the Romantic movement that emerged at the end of the 18th century. He enjoyed royal patronage. His painting Whistlejacket hangs in the National Gallery in London. Well-known examples: Some famous artworks featuring dogs are 'Friend in Need' by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, known from the 'Dogs Playing Poker' series. Also David Hockney's 'Dog Days' shows off his dachshunds Stanley and Boodgie.

Variation in representation: Dogs are depicted in art in various ways: as dangerous hunting dogs, as loving companion animals, or even as mythical figures, such as Frida Kahlo's Señor Xólotl.

France (2018): Booklet with 12 stamps featuring images of art, everyday and ritual objects from various periods and civilizations, with dogs as the theme.

Artistic inspiration: Great artists, from Rembrandt to Andy Warhol, and even more recently Arthur Japin in his book 'Dogs in the museumhave used dogs as a source of inspiration and subject matter in their work.

In *Dogs in the Museum*, Arthur Japin shares his great love for dogs and art. For centuries, the dog has been a source of inspiration for artists. Wherever you look, dogs pop up in artworks. Big dogs and little yappers, lapdogs with bows in their hair, dangerous hunting dogs, and even one with three heads. Together with his dog Basso, Arthur Japin guides the reader through a museum full of dogs. Andy Warhol's dachshund, Rembrandt's dog, Frida Kahlo's *Señor Xólotl*, and many more dogs: they all pass by in a colorful parade. With beautiful illustrations by Martijn van der Linden, with whom Arthur Japin previously collaborated on the successful *Dogs for Life*. 'Your dog believes in you, even at moments when you don't. If you want to become a great artist, get a dog.' – Arthur Japin, *Dogs in the Museum*.