Dog Art Today

Tag: saint roch

  • Tiepolo’s Saint Roch at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

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    Saint Roch by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, 1730-35

    I did extensive research for the Saint Roch post on the November 1.  So I was surprised to find another portrait of Saint Roch by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  While I don’t consider this a great work of dog art, I think it is interesting as a Tiepolo, a Venetian artist famous for his dramatic Baroque style.  And the disembodied head of the dog speaks to composition challenges all dog artists face. 

    The Philadelphia Museum of Art has an excellent website that makes searching a pleasure, not always the case with art institutions.   Click here to view their collections.

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  • The Feast of All (Dog) Saints

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    Today is the Feast of All Saints according to the Christian calendar. It was celebrated as early as 270 as a commemoration of “All Martyrs” and officially instituted as a holy day in the 13th century by Pope Urban IV to honor all the saints, known and unknown.

    Our dogs aren’t always angels, but I believe their unbridled devotion, generosity and kindness qualify them for sainthood. As a person who never used to like dogs, every day I’m amazed that Darby is part of my life. It truly is a miracle.

    My friend Barbara Gordon shot this video of the famous dog cemetery in Paris, Le Cimetière des Chiens. Take a moment to watch it and give thanks to all the amazing dogs who have touched your lives and performed their own miracles. Since it only takes 3 miracles to become a saint, I believe every dog could be canonized.

    Painting at top is Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs.