A Limier Briquet Hound c. 1856

Rosa Bonheur painted A Limier Briquet Hound using oil on canvas, a pairing that evokes the traditions of fine art. And yet, this picture is very much about labor. The hound depicted here was bred as a working animal, a tool, or even a technology designed for tracking game. Bonheur’s use of expressive brushwork – evident especially in the animal’s coat – animates the dog, but also makes clear that its qualities are in service to its work. Note the taut muscles, poised for action. The textures of fur, earth, and foliage each have a tactile quality, which draws us into the dog’s sensory world. Bonheur herself was no stranger to hard work, having overcome significant barriers as a woman to succeed as an artist. She approached painting with a dedication that mirrors the hound’s own. By understanding the significance of materials, making, and context, we appreciate how the artwork transcends traditional boundaries, uniting fine art with the realities of labor and life.