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Washington, United States
loves: you win if you guessed "pets" and "museums". Also books, art history, travel, British punk, Korean kimchi, bindis, martinis, and other things TBD. I will always make it very clear if a post is sponsored in any way. Drop me a line at thepetmuseum AT gmail.com !

Friday, May 20, 2011

a little dog finds a sweet spot

wikimedia commons [public domain]


This small fellow seems slightly overwhelmed by the sheer masses of flowers surrounding him. In fact, when I first spotted this work, it was a momentary challenge to even find him. When at last I did, the impulse to step in there and sit with him on my lap was overwhelming. This is a "Corner of a Garden with Small Dog" (Rincon de jardin con perrito) by the Spanish Baroque painter Tomas Yepes (c. 1595 - 1674). Yepes was from Valencia and best known for his bodegones, or still lifes of kitchen and pantry items. This work differs slightly in that the entire garden corner is treated as a floral still life. The dog of course isn't so still by nature, but bodegones often do include figures. I think he adds a wistfulness and heart to the piece.

5 comments:

Katnip Lounge said...

Yes, he does draw you into the frame! I also like the decorated tiles and urns.

Avalon Lion said...

I didn't know this painting. Thanks. I'm your newest GFC follower. I thought I was following you already, but apparantly I didn't. Am following you too on Twitter and Facebook. Come and say 'Hi!' at http://avalon-lion.blogspot.com. I'm also currently holding a giveaway of a signed copy of The Complete Cat's Meow, a new best-selling book about cat care you might be interested in. Let me know if you are.

parlance said...

The painting would not be effective without the living creature to bring it to life. Lovely!

curator said...

Hi Lounge and Parlance! I need to swing by and visit both of you. And a welcome to Avalon Lion, too! Am I too late for the giveaway? I was up to my ears in stuff all weekend so didn't get to come see.

cate said...

Love this picture - the big pots and chair make him such a sweet and tiny little guy! I still find it wonderful that dogs and cats have been featured in art for so many years :)