Tick-Tick 1881

Briton Riviere's "Tick-Tick" presents us with an intimate scene painted with oil on canvas. The composition is dominated by the figure of a pug, its despondent gaze directed downwards, near a pocket watch. The painting’s structure hinges on a stark contrast between the animate and inanimate. The soft, warm tones of the dog's fur are juxtaposed against the hard, metallic gleam of the watch and chain. This contrast invites us to consider the philosophical implications of time. Is Riviere suggesting a commentary on mortality or on the fleeting nature of existence? The key hanging on the door behind the dog may be seen as a sign that represents the passage of time or perhaps the unlocking of life's mysteries. The texture is richly layered. The brushstrokes convey both the smoothness of the polished wood and the tactile quality of the dog’s coat. The symbolism in "Tick-Tick" remains open-ended. Is the painting a poignant reflection on temporality or a lighthearted depiction of a dog's perception of time?