Eerdmans is pleased to present a collection of twenty-three fine dog paintings and works of art from the private collection of a Northeast Harbor Grande Dame, spanning over three centuries of British, European and American dog portraiture.

Depictions of the dog date back to the Bronze Age, reflecting how deep and enduring the relationship between humans and canines is. Valued for their roles as hunters, guardians, and, most of all, devoted companions, dogs have appeared in works of art historically as allegories for fidelity and loyalty; in hunting scenes at work; and in portraiture where a specific pet is represented. From the Renaissance onward, dogs often appeared in portraits with their aristocratic owners and as the interest in distinct breeds grew in the nineteenth century, as evidenced by the establishment of The Kennel Club in England in 1873, more commonly in portraits of their own.

Join us as we celebrate this distinguished group of "men's best friends”, including Maltese, Poodles, Spaniels, Terriers, Whippets and more formed in the old school tradition of Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Pierrepont, who helped build the collection.