AMONG the earliest forms of human artistic expression are depictions of animals. A native pig painted in a cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi is believed to be at least 45,500 years old and the famous 17,000-year-old cave art in Lascaux, France, comprises hauntingly beautiful representations of stags, bison, cattle and, above all else, horses. Art offers a valuable insight into the dynamic relationship between humans and animals throughout history-from the admiration for creatures vital to human existence shown in cave art to the heavily symbolic meanings attributed to animals in Roman mosaics and Renaissance paintings.
Art has also long reflected their place in our hearts as companions. Affection for domesticated animals is particularly conspicuous in portraits and photography of the Victorian era animal artist Sir Edwin Landseer, a royal favourite, became immensely popular among the general public for the sentimentalism of his work.
Whether we marvel at them or seek companionship from them, animals have become intertwined with human identity and, as such, it is no wonder that artists continue to explore such an indisputable and emotive connection. Today, animal portraits are in high demand, commissioned in the hope of capturing the love and joy they bring to our lives. The resulting artworks not only celebrate the lives of our pets, but also serve to remind us that these four-legged friends-our guides and comforts through the best and darkest of times -remain with us even when they are gone.
'She captures man and dog as one'
Denne historien er fra December 13 - 20, 2023 (Double Issue)-utgaven av Country Life UK.
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Denne historien er fra December 13 - 20, 2023 (Double Issue)-utgaven av Country Life UK.
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Kitchen garden cook - Apples
'Sweet and crisp, apples are the epitome of autumn flavour'
The original Mr Rochester
Three classic houses in North Yorkshire have come to the market; the owner of one inspired Charlotte Brontë to write Jane Eyre
Get it write
Desks, once akin to instruments of torture for scribes, have become cherished repositories of memories and secrets. Matthew Dennison charts their evolution
'Sloes hath ben my food'
A possible paint for the Picts and a definite culprit in tea fraud, the cheek-suckingly sour sloe's spiritual home is indisputably in gin, says John Wright
Souvenirs of greatness
FOR many years, some large boxes have been stored and forgotten in the dark recesses of the garage. Unpacked last week, the contents turned out to be pots: some, perhaps, nearing a century old—dense terracotta, of interesting provenance.
Plants for plants' sake
The garden at Hergest Croft, Herefordshire The home of Edward Banks The Banks family is synonymous with an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs, many of which are presents from distinguished friends, garnered over two centuries. Be prepared to be amazed, says Charles Quest-Ritson
Capturing the castle
Seventy years after Christian Dior’s last fashion show in Scotland, the brand returned under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri for a celebratory event honouring local craftsmanship, the beauty of the land and the Auld Alliance, explains Kim Parker
Nature's own cathedral
Our tallest native tree 'most lovely of all', the stately beech creates a shaded environment that few plants can survive. John Lewis-Stempel ventures into the enchanted woods
All that money could buy
A new book explores the lost riches of London's grand houses. Its author, Steven Brindle, looks at the residences of plutocrats built by the nouveaux riches of the late-Victorian and Edwardian ages
In with the old
Diamonds are meant to sparkle in candlelight, but many now gather dust in jewellery boxes. To wear them today, we may need to reimagine them, as Hetty Lintell discovers with her grandmother's jewellery
