Dancing Dogs 1790

"Dancing Dogs" is a 1790 etching by British artist Thomas Gaugain, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The print depicts a group of dogs dressed in miniature clothing, being trained by a man with a whip and watched by a woman and two children. The humor of the scene suggests Gaugain's work was likely aimed at a popular audience, perhaps reflecting the growing interest in animal entertainment in the late 18th century. The scene's idyllic setting and the realistic depiction of the figures and dogs showcase the artist's skill in capturing the essence of everyday life.