Fritz Carpenteroartist • painterBelgië 1848-1914

In the 19th century, when keeping dogs as pets became more and more fashionable, there were also painters who specialized in the dog genre. Dog portraits and depictions with one or more dogs of the same breed were popular subjects, as were circus dogs. Traditionally, acts with trained dogs were the work of travelling artists who showed their skills at fairs and small circuses. Poodles, Griffon-like dogs and terriers were ideally suited for this. Music and the burlesque pranks of dressed monkeys complemented their skills. In the course of the 19th century, the large circus, where mainly horses and wild animals showed their skills, also introduces the performance of trained dogs. Both the performance of the dogs themselves and the paintings of the training, the moments of relaxation and waiting until they can show their skills were generally experienced as very endearing.