Artist:
Jamie Wyeth
(American, b. 1946)
A Very Small Dog
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1980
Dimensions:
50 × 40 in. (127 × 101.6 cm)
Accession number: 2003.4
Copyright: © Jamie Wyeth / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Label Copy:
Nestled in an ornate wicker pram, under a lacy parasol, is, indeed, a very small dog, as the title of this painting suggests. Although the fierce little creature is being treated like royalty, it is clearly very displeased. Baring its tiny teeth amidst the swirls, hearts, and flowers of its elaborate confine, the tiny dog’s aggression contrasts sharply with the loving attention lavished upon it.
Curatorial RemarksIn "A Very Small Dog", Jamie Wyeth plays a trick on the viewer by first drawing attention to the elaborately-rendered wicker of the carriage. Closer inspection reveals the snarling mouth of the dog, whose high-pitched barks seem almost audible. Although the artist usually paints from life, the small dog in this painting never really existed.
(audio)
Jamie Wyeth enjoys the challenge of painting wicker, and several of his works feature its interwoven lines. Here, the appealing curves and patterns of the wicker draw us in, only to lead us to the unpleasant sight in the center of the carriage: an angry, barking dog. Other than his own Jack Russell terriers, Wyeth is not overly fond of small dogs. He uses a touch of humor to express his opinion in this work.
(audio)
Jamie Wyeth enjoys the challenge of painting wicker, and several of his works feature its interwoven lines. Here, the appealing curves and patterns of the wicker draw us in, only to lead us to the unpleasant sight in the center of the carriage: an angry, barking dog. Other than his own Jack Russell terriers, Wyeth is not overly fond of small dogs. He uses a touch of humor to express his opinion in this work.
On view