Dogs Playing Poker is a series of oil paintings by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, created in the early 1900s. These paintings have gained immense popularity over the years and have become a cultural icon.
The most famous of these paintings is undoubtedly “A Friend in Need,” which has been reproduced countless times on posters, postcards, and even t-shirts. But who exactly was Cassius Marcellus Coolidge and how did he come to paint these iconic paintings?
Cassius Marcellus Coolidge was an American artist born in 1844 in upstate New York. He worked as a druggist for most of his life but found success as a cartoonist and painter later in life. He began painting dogs in human situations around the turn of the century, with his first known painting being “Kelly Pool” from 1894.
Coolidge’s inspiration for his Dogs Playing Poker series may have come from the popular culture of the time. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, poker was becoming increasingly popular in America, and it wasn’t uncommon for men to gather together to play poker and smoke cigars. Coolidge’s paintings captured this scene perfectly, except that instead of humans playing poker, it was dogs.
The Dogs Playing Poker series consists of sixteen oil paintings, all featuring various breeds of dogs gathered around a table playing poker. Each painting has its own unique story to tell, with different breeds of dogs engaging in various antics while playing cards.
While Dogs Playing Poker may not be considered high art by some critics, there’s no denying that they hold a special place in American pop culture history. They’ve been featured on everything from calendars to coffee mugs, and even inspired an animated television show called “Pound Puppies.”
In conclusion, Cassius Marcellus Coolidge was the artist behind the iconic Dogs Playing Poker series. These paintings have become a cultural icon and have been reproduced countless times. While they may not be considered high art, they are certainly a beloved part of American pop culture.
