Sleeping Bloodhound Possibly 1835

Editor: Here we have Sir Edwin Landseer’s “Sleeping Bloodhound,” held at the Tate. The large canvas features a dog resting near a helmet. It has a somber feel. What do you make of this piece? Curator: Landseer was celebrated, and criticized, for his animal paintings. His anthropomorphism can be seen as sentimental or, from a cultural perspective, as reflective of Victorian society's relationship with animals and class. Notice how the juxtaposition of the sleeping dog and the helmet evokes ideas of peace and nobility in repose. Editor: That's a great point about nobility. I hadn't considered that it's more than just a dog portrait. Curator: Landseer understood the politics of imagery. This is about Britain's self-image, perhaps even its imperial ambitions. Editor: So it’s about national identity, communicated through an animal portrait. Thanks, I hadn't seen it that way.