The Eternal Love Between Humans and Animals in Art

Who rules your home? Mum, dad, the baby? Maybe it’s the animal you love so much? Would you want your beloved animal to be forever remembered? Do you keep pictures of your beloved pets in you wallet, or even celebrate National Pet Day? The English recount‘ You can criticize a family member, but never their pet’. You could not criticize this tiny puppy, with bright eyes and clumsy paws or this soft little kitten with its little teeth biting your shoes. So much is our love of our non-human family members here there is a boundless well of creativity that often finds its source in the companionship and inspiration drawn from animals we love. For centuries, humans have been captivated by that profound, tender connection with animals, igniting a torrent of artistic expression across various mediums. From books to photography, the world of humans and animals is vivid and rich. Each book image painting tells a tale of its own. Find out more in “The Eternal Love Between Humans and Animals in Art”

Image on left by Herbert List / Magnum Photos

Image by Elliott Erwitt / Magnum Photos

From the earliest of days, there have been records of interaction and loving connections between man and animals. But according to Abbé Breuil a French priest, archaeologist and anthropologist, drawing animals served as a symbolic act of predation.

It allowed hunters to mentally and emotionally prepare for the hunt by visually “killing” their prey on paper. However, as human civilization progressed, so did our perception of animals, beloved members of the family. The Renaissance era marked a pivotal shift in this dynamic, elevating pets from mere utilitarian assets to lovable, fluffy and fun companions, cherished for their individuality and emotional significance. As time has passed they have appeared in family portraits and paintings; affection emerged and evolved into love.

Miss Beatrice Townsend by John Singer Sargent, 1882 / National Gallery of Art, Washington

Whether as subjects of paintings, sculptures, or photographs or as sources of inspiration for stories and films, animals have always been present, weaving an unbreakable bond with human artistic expression. We don’t just love to hold and fuss over our furry friends (or not furry) we love to explore their lives via creative stories, paintings and even songs.

In the realm of art, masterpieces such as “The Dog of Goya” by Francisco de Goya and “Feeding Time” by Franz de Beul capture the essence of the bond between humans and animals with striking detail.

The dog by Francisco de Goya, 1820-1823 / Museo del Prado, Madrid

Goya’s painting, in particular, portrays a solitary and contemplative canine figure, reflecting Goya’s own inner struggles and perhaps his deep connection to the animal. Here this small dog looks a little lost, sad, as if trying to find his human friend. These works not only evokes empathy and companionship but also serves as a testament to the endless wellspring of creativity inspired by our animal counterparts.

The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck / National Gallery, London

Furthermore, the relationship between humans and animals serves as fertile ground for artistic expression in cinema. Films like “Hachikō Monogatari” by Seijirō Kōyama, known as “Hachi : A dog tale” tells the moving tale of unwavering loyalty between a dog and his master, inspired by a true story.

Poster for the DVD “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale“.

Sometimes a little heartbreaking or sometimes with a big dose of Humour. Harvey” by Henry Koster, whimsically explores the bond between a man and his invisible rabbit companion. Those films offer poignant portrayals of the bonds forged between humans and animals in the face of adversity. But also remind us of the resilience and loyalty of our animal companionship and the profound impact they forever have on our lives.

In literature, works such as “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein, “The Horse Whisperer” by Nicholas Evans, and “Marley & Me” by John Grogan provide intimate glimpses into the complexities of human-animal relationships. Through these novels, readers are invited to embark on emotional journeys that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption all through the lens of our connections with animals. We also sometimes get interesting perspectives for example in The Art of Racing in the Rain” we hear the tale told from the Dog’s perspective.

Contributing to this exploration of creativity is the square print sale “Fable” by Magnum Photos in collaboration with the magazine Granta. Not a set of images purely of animals, but it does contain a few incredible shots.

Featuring a curated collection of photographic images, the square print sale unveils timeless truths about the human experience, showcasing how creativity flourishes in the presence of profound connections, including a few of them with animals. With 85 captivating images available for purchase, each print is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

Cristina De Middel / Magnum Photos

Furthermore, the partnership between Magnum, the photos gallery agency, and Granta, the literary magazine, celebrates a decade of storytelling excellence, showcasing the timeless art of weaving narratives through both words and images. As Magnum president aptly puts it, photography is indeed a language

“a means to express and communicate“

Cristina de Middel

Image by Sabiha Çimen / Magnum Photos

Through this collaboration, the potential of combining image and text is explored, elevating the medium to new heights and inviting audiences to engage with photography in fresh and stimulating ways.

Image by Philippe Halsman / Magnum Photos

In the timeless dance of life, our companionship with animals transcends mere existence; it weaves itself into the fabric of our hearts and souls. From the tender gaze of a faithful dog to the whimsical antics of an invisible rabbit, the bond between humans and animals is a testament to the enduring power of love, loyalty, and connection. Through art, literature, and cinema, we celebrate this tender bond, cherishing the moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between, the we share with our beloved animal companions. Let us never forget the profound impact they have on our lives, reminding us of the beauty and tenderness of the world around us.

Link to the past exhibition here. www.store.magnumphotos.com

If you enjoyed reading The Eternal Love Between Humans and Animals in Art, why not read Bloom: We Are All Animals.

.Cent magazine London, Be Inspired; Get Involved