Study of a Dog c. 1840s

David Cox made this watercolor study of a dog in the 19th century. Notice how Cox uses loose washes of grey and brown to define the animal's form against the pale, undefined background. The dog sits in profile, its gaze directed upwards, imbuing it with a sense of alertness. Cox was interested in capturing the essence of his subjects through rapid, expressive brushwork. The blurred lines and transparent layers of color suggest movement and the immediacy of perception, moving away from academic painting towards the values of the Impressionists. Consider how Cox captures the texture of the dog's fur with minimal strokes, focusing instead on light and shadow to convey volume and shape. This emphasis on the optical experience rather than precise detail reflects broader artistic concerns with subjectivity and the fleeting nature of visual impressions. It is in these formal qualities that the artwork speaks, inviting viewers to engage with the dynamic interplay between representation and abstraction.