Where can I see Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel?

Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel?

Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel

Jan Weenix , 1672

Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Weenix. It dates from 1672 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The inclusion of collars further reinforces the theme of ownership and the integration of these animals into the social hierarchy of the period.

The work depicts a greyhound and a spaniel, classified within the genre of animal art. These dogs are portrayed as hunting breeds, distinguished by the presence of dog collars that signify their domesticated status and function. The setting includes a broad-leaved tree and a landscape framed by a balustrade, elements that situate the animals within a cultivated, aristocratic environment rather than a wild one.

By combining specific canine breeds with architectural and natural features, the painting emphasizes the subjects' roles as valued companions and tools for sport. The inclusion of collars further reinforces the theme of ownership and the integration of these animals into the social hierarchy of the period.

Technique & Style

The Portrait of a Greyhound and a Spaniel is executed in oil paint on canvas, a support typical of 17th-century Dutch painting. Measuring 84 cm by 103.5 cm, the work depicts a greyhound alongside a spaniel, a dog collar, a broad-leaved tree, a landscape, and a balustrade, reflecting the animal-portrait genre. The composition balances the animals within a naturalistic setting, emphasizing anatomical detail and subtle chiaroscuro.

History & Provenance

Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel was painted by Jan Weenix in 1672, executed in oil paint on canvas. The work entered the collection of Adriaan van der Hoop, the Amsterdam merchant and art collector whose holdings later formed a major bequest. From van der Hoop's ownership, the painting passed into the institutional collections of the Rijksmuseum and the Amsterdam Museum, where it is jointly held.

Overview

Jan Weenix, a Dutch painter active during the Golden Age, completed Portrait of a greyhound and a spaniel in 1672. This oil painting presents two distinct canine subjects: a white greyhound standing prominently and a brown and white spaniel resting nearby. They are situated within a naturalistic landscape, featuring a balustrade and a broad-leaved tree, rendered with detailed observation and a muted color palette.