If you’ve ever been to a bar, a game room, or even a friend’s house, chances are you have come across a print of the famous painting “Dogs Playing Poker”. This iconic image has been reproduced countless times and has become synonymous with pop culture in America. But who was the artist behind this classic work
The original “Dogs Playing Poker” painting was created by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge (1844-1934), an American artist who is best known for his humorous paintings of dogs. Coolidge was born in Antwerp, New York and worked as a druggist until he began pursuing art as a full-time career in his late thirties.
Coolidge initially gained recognition as an artist through his illustrations for magazines and as a political cartoonist. However, it wasn’t until 1903 that he created the first of the “Dogs Playing Poker” series, titled “Poker Game”. The painting depicts seven dogs sitting around a table playing poker, with cigars in their mouths and drinks nearby.
The “Dogs Playing Poker” series became incredibly popular and Coolidge painted sixteen different versions over the years. Each painting features anthropomorphic dogs engaging in various activities such as playing pool or baseball. However, it is the poker-playing dogs that have become the most famous of all.
Despite its popularity, the original “Poker Game” painting was not highly regarded by art critics and was considered to be kitsch at best. However, it remained popular with the public and continued to be reproduced in various forms such as prints, t-shirts, mugs, and even on playing cards.
In recent years there has been renewed interest in Cassius Marcellus Coolidge’s work and his contribution to American art. The original “Dogs Playing Poker” paintings are now considered to be valuable pieces of Americana and have been auctioned off for thousands of dollars.
In conclusion, the original “Dogs Playing Poker” painting was created by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, an American artist who is best known for his humorous paintings of dogs. Despite initial criticism from art critics, the painting has become an iconic part of American pop culture and continues to be reproduced in various forms today.
