Poodles in Art
Albrecht Durer and Poodles
albrecht Durer was one of the greatest artistic geniuses of all time. On this page is a selection of some of his woodcuts. The small, cut-coated dog is believed to be a Poodle. Durer was a precise man; he was careful in his portraits of humans and animals. This same dog shows up in many of his works, sometimes occupying a prominent position, at other times lurking in the background. Perhaps it belonged to him, a member of his family, or one of his many students. In any event, it is clear that this is a dog Durer knew well.
Far Left: The Knight and the Landsknecht ca 1497.
Left: Detail. Note the bracelets on the hind legs.
Far Right: The Flagellation of Christ, from the Great Passion (ca 1500) The dog's steady gaze confronts the viewer.
Right: Detail.
Left: Christ Carrying the Cross, from The Great Passion. (ca 1500)
Above: The Poodle, ever loyal, runs alongside Christ.
Left: The Visitation, from The Life of the Virgin (1511)
As Anne greets Mary, the little dog cautiously moves towards the plaque bearing Durer's initials.
Below: Detail.
