Gainsborough's Canine Portraits Reveal His True Passion for Landscape

Thomas Gainsborough, the renowned English artist born in 1727 and who passed away in 1788, is celebrated for his exceptional landscapes and portraits, particularly featuring dogs. He skillfully portrayed these animals with individuality rather than mere background roles. In a letter to William Jackson, preserved at Tate, Gainsborough conveyed his desire to shift focus from portraiture to landscapes, yearning for a tranquil village setting. Notable works include 'Bumper—A Bull-Terrier' from 1745, 'The Spitz Dog' from about 1765, and 'Pomeranian Bitch and a Puppy,' which captures a mother dog and her inquisitive pup, painted around 1777.