Heads of dogs c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Samuel Howitt's "Heads of dogs," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a beautifully spare composition. The muted tones and minimal background really highlight the texture of the dogs' fur. Curator: Indeed. Howitt, an English painter, etcher, and sporting artist, captured the essence of dogs in British culture – hunting companions, loyal symbols of status, and beloved household members. Editor: The gaze of the central dog, in particular, is striking. It’s direct, almost confrontational. Does it represent the ideal of canine loyalty? Curator: Perhaps. Notice how Howitt varies their expressions. Some seem alert, others pensive. Each head offers a facet of the dog's symbolic role. Editor: The repetition creates a rhythm, almost like a musical score. It's a study in form and expression. Curator: Reflecting, perhaps, the many facets of our relationships with these creatures. Editor: A subtle, moving piece, open to interpretation, and masterfully executed.