LEGACY

Throughout 18th century England, hunting, sporting,
and working dogs dominated the canine art market.  The 
demand on artists was to illustrate the dogs' superiority.

In the 19th century, with the rise of the middle class, work-
ing dogs were less needed for labor.  Dog Shows became
popular.  Champions often improved their master's social
status. 

During this time, Queen Victoria provided an extraordinary
precedent by commissioning and collecting paintings that
accentuated the beautiful coats, fine conformation and 
elegant surroundings of purebred dogs.  However, purebred
dog portraiture didn't gain popularity in America until the 
20th century.

Meanwhile, in the later part of the 19th century, the English
started chronicling their pets and a third, more generic,
category was established in the art world...that of the Pet
Portrait.

Today, in America, there is a resurgence of animal interest.
Owners of beloved pets, whether purebred or otherwise,
derive immense pleasure from a commissioned portrait.....
a delight that is not unequal to the pride aristocratical
masters felt centuries ago.