Dog 

Niko Pirosmani, a self-taught Georgian painter, likely created this poignant image of a dog sometime in the early 20th century using oil on oilcloth. Pirosmani's art often depicted animals and scenes of everyday life in Tbilisi, reflecting his deep connection to Georgian culture and his own experiences as an outsider. This image, with its stark contrast and simplified form, conveys a sense of loneliness and vulnerability. Pirosmani’s choice of materials—inexpensive oilcloth favored by tradesmen—reveals the economic realities of the time and his own marginal position within the art world. Pirosmani often worked outside of established artistic institutions, producing paintings for taverns and shops. His art, therefore, challenges traditional notions of fine art and its relationship to social class. To fully appreciate Pirosmani's work, scholars explore Georgian history, folk traditions, and the social dynamics of early 20th-century Tbilisi, helping us understand art as a product of its time and place.