Description
The painting "Two Greyhounds and a Mastiff" by the artist Sawrey Gilpin is a work that attracts attention due to its impressive original size of 173 x 214 cm. This 18th century masterpiece is one of the most representative works of the English artistic style known as "animal painting".
The composition of the work is very interesting, since Gilpin manages to capture the essence of the three dogs in a single image. The position of the animals and the way they look at each other, creates a sense of harmony and balance in the composition. Additionally, the artist uses a lighting technique that highlights the dogs' coats and gives them a realistic and detailed look.
Color is also a prominent aspect of the work. Gilpin uses a palette of warm, earthy colors that give the painting a classic, elegant look. The brown and gold tones of the dogs' coats contrast with the green in the background, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
The story behind the painting is another interesting aspect. The work was commissioned by the Duke of Portland in 1793 and was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in the same year. The painting was very well received by the public and became one of Gilpin's most popular works.
In addition, there is a little known aspect of the work that is its connection with literature. The painting is said to have inspired the English poet Lord Byron to write his poem "Epitaph for a Dog," describing a dog's loyalty and love for its owner.
In short, "Two Greyhounds and a Mastiff" is an impressive work that stands out for its size, composition, color, and connection to literature. It is a masterpiece of the animal painting style and one of the most representative works of the 18th century.