Scene with Dogs (from McGuire Scrapbook) 1836

This pencil sketch, “Scene with Dogs (from McGuire Scrapbook),” was created by American artist Alvan Fisher in 1836. The drawing depicts two dogs, one sitting and one lying down. The artist’s loose, sketchy style and subtle shading bring a sense of life and movement to the animals. This small but detailed work, measuring just 4 11/16 x 7 3/16 inches, is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. The work's intimate scale and focus on animal subjects were popular themes in American art during this period.