John Lewis Brown, 'The Performing Dog', probably about 1860-90
On loan: Long Loan to The Hugh Lane (2019 - 2031), Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, Dublin, Ireland About the work
Overview
A small dog on its hind legs performs before a middle-aged man, who lies on the grass. The man’s long white coat with a salmon-pink lining and his white gaiters have the appearance of a theatrical costume rather than everyday clothes. His raised hand and attentive gaze suggest he is teaching the dog a trick – perhaps a balancing act related to the red object on its head, which may be the man’s hat. To the right, a horse grazes. Just above its head, a reddish-brown shape in the background is a figure hiding in the hedgerow, which looks out at the man and dog, perhaps not quite sure what they are doing.
Born in France of Scottish descent, John Lewis Brown specialised in hunting and military pictures, as well as studies of horses and dogs. His pictures sometimes have a humorous aspect to them, while also showing his firm grasp of animal anatomy.
Key facts
Details
- Full title
- The Performing Dog
- Artist
- John Lewis Brown
- Artist dates
- 1829 - 1890
- Date made
- probably about 1860-90
- Medium and support
- oil on canvas
- Dimensions
- 36.8 × 44.4 cm
- Inscription summary
- Signed
- Acquisition credit
- Sir Hugh Lane Bequest, 1917, The National Gallery, London. In partnership with Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin.
- Inventory number
- NG3236
- Location
- On loan: Long Loan to The Hugh Lane (2019 - 2031), Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, Dublin, Ireland
- Collection
- Main Collection
Provenance
Additional information
Text extracted from the catalogue entry in Christopher Baker and Tom Henry, ‘The National Gallery: Complete Illustrated Catalogue’, London 2001; for further information, see the full catalogue entry.
Exhibition history
-
2006Long Loan to The Hugh Lane (2006 - 2019)Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane31 December 2006 - 18 April 2021
-
2021Long Loan to The Hugh Lane (2019 - 2031)Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane24 February 2021 - 23 February 2031
Bibliography
-
2001
C. Baker and T. Henry, The National Gallery: Complete Illustrated Catalogue, London 2001
About this record
If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.