In the world of art, few animals have captured the imagination quite like the dog. From the ancient Chauvet cave paintings to the contemporary works of Jeff Koons, the canine has been a constant companion to humanity's artistic endeavors. But what is it about the dog's gaze that has captivated artists and viewers alike? In his book, "The Dog's Gaze" by Thomas Laqueur, we embark on a journey through the history of art, exploring the symbolic significance of the dog and its unique ability to connect with the human viewer.
Laqueur argues that the dog's role in art is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves as a bridge between nature and culture. As the first animal to live companionably with humans, the dog has always been a threshold creature, existing on the edge of our societal norms. This ambiguous status allows the dog to embody a range of symbolic meanings, from loyalty and companionship to cunning and danger. Secondly, the dog's gaze is a powerful tool for artists. By including dogs in their work, artists can pack an image with extra resonance and second-order meaning. The dog's look can be a window into the soul, inviting the viewer to contemplate the deeper implications of the artwork.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Laqueur's book is his exploration of the dog's gaze in specific artworks. Take, for example, the sleepy mastiff in Velázquez's "Las Meninas." The dog's droopy-eyed glance out of the frame and towards the viewer is a subtle yet powerful commentary on the complexities of perspective and meaning. In Laqueur's words, the mastiff's gaze is "matter-of-fact and just the right side of cynical." It is a reminder that, in the grand scheme of things, we should not worry too much about the tricks of perspective that unfold above our heads.
But the dog's gaze is not limited to the realm of high art. Laqueur also explores the role of the dog in popular culture, such as the cinema superstar Lassie. In my opinion, the inclusion of Lassie in the book is a clever nod to the power of the dog's gaze in popular media. Lassie's iconic status as a canine hero is a testament to the enduring appeal of the dog's look, and Laqueur's discussion of her role in the book adds a layer of depth to our understanding of the dog's symbolic significance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Laqueur's book is his exploration of the dog's gaze in the context of religious art. In Veronese's "The Wedding Feast at Cana," for example, the inclusion of dogs serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, the pious dogs look on entranced at the miracle unfolding in front of them, embodying the sacred and the divine. On the other hand, there is a little scruff in the corner who is more interested in the scraps that the tipsy guests might allow to fall to the floor. This generous gesture allows the greedy, snuffling viewer to have a place at the sacred scene, inviting us to contemplate the relationship between the sacred and the mundane.
However, Laqueur also notes that the dog's gaze can be a source of controversy. When Veronese tried to include a dog in his interpretation of the Last Supper, the Inquisition came down on him for blasphemy. This raises a deeper question about the relationship between art and religion, and the role of the dog in mediating between the two. In my opinion, this incident highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between the sacred and the secular, and the power of the dog's gaze to navigate this terrain.
In conclusion, Laqueur's book is a fascinating exploration of the dog's gaze in art. Through his discussion of a range of artworks, from the ancient Chauvet cave paintings to the contemporary works of Jeff Koons, Laqueur persuasively makes his point that the dog's function in western art is to provide an entry-point or alter ego for viewers who might otherwise feel overwhelmed or outclassed. The dog's look is a powerful tool for artists, inviting us to contemplate the deeper implications of the artwork and the relationship between the sacred and the secular. Personally, I think that Laqueur's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of art and the symbolic significance of the dog. It is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will leave you with a new appreciation for the canine companion in the world of art.
