Ambition Realized 1940s;Eugene Iverd;11 ½” x 8 ½”;A, P
Dogs come to us in graphic art along two major runways. The first emphasizes their sweet hearts and what that means to their owners. That alone detonates many catchy moments by which to draw viewers to both the monetary and the momentous interests taking place. The second range of power entailed in the ways of dogs concerns how vividly handsome their presence can be.
Our first vintage image goes back to the era of World War II and the sense of warm hearts thrilling to heights of affection!
You’re Next c.1950 ;Rolf Armstrong;10 ½”x 14”;A-, P
Much innuendo in the human sphere does not derail the golden moment of an irresistible creature and its igniting a simple adventure.
Pas de Promenade Tom…1921 GBT;Pierre Brissaud ;9 1/2″x7″;A-,P
A French twist upon a little beast that deserves a generous partner. “No walk today, Tom. It’s raining,” is clearly not the way to do it! Effete privilege washing over earthy priorities, and setting off a witty and quite fascinating undertone for the marketing of deluxe goods
Hop La! 1921 GBTAndre Marty;9 5/8″x 7 3/4″;A,P
It’s the same world as shown in the previous image (from the same graphic source, in the form of Gazette du Bon Ton); but here the patrician thirst for flair coincides with the puppy’s desires.
Pochoir Greeting Card #15 c.1920;Signed,?sig.;5 1/4″ x 6 1/2″; A,P
Dogs and nostalgia are birds of a feather, as this vintage pochoir Christmas card demonstrates so well! Here it’s as much a case of where-are-they-now as what-are they doing.
Service for Everybody 1935;Charles Relyea; 9 1/2”x 7”; A-, P; Framed
Nearly lost in this power-pack of nostalgia, the little black Scottie complements the safe innocence of brimming dreams.
Manitoba Calling May. 1944;Anonymous;9 1/2″ x 6 1/4″;A,P ;radio guide/photos;16pp
A lady gardener left alone during the war. But she’s not exactly alone; and her loyal and playful helpmate helps her to get into the spirit of lightness which the occasion offers. I find this ephemeral entry so interesting in its complex tone. The dog here is so close to the contrasting elementary powers of his owner!
Bird’s Eye View c.1940;Gil Elvgren;9 ½” x 7 ½”; A, L
Someone had to anchor this shipment of show boats; and the canny Scottie (interesting how preferred species have changed drastically) does his level best to restore normal energies. This 3-way roundabout brings surreal considerations into the edgy homeland in a time of war.
Regal Dessert 1953;Donald Brun;50 ½”x 35 ½”;A-, P
Dogs love their food and they make ideal presenters of the joys of food products. That busy nose is at one with the cherries!
Pasta Ghigi c.1950;Anonymous;20 1/4″ x 16″; A,L
Here’s another graphic instance (one of the best, I think) wherein the affections of both human and animal are fully focused and fully unified.
Circe 1920 GBT;Eduardo Benito;9 3/8″x 7″; A-,pochoir
As for playing the hand of the handsomeness of dogs, here we have a figure called Circe–enchantress, queen of magic–and her strictly onside, out-of-this-world canines!
Woman’s Home Companion October 1931;William P. Welsh;13 ¼” x 10”;A-,P;cover
There are such things as deco dogs! This cover pays handsome homage to such sleek presences; and it adds the crucial touch of their rich affection.
Auction Bridge Score c.1930;Anonymous;7 3/4″ x 4″;A-,P
A-ti-tude! Here the premium upon glamor fetches up two solitary powers, locked into their advantages. Apt for a cut-throat round of bridge!