Dog painting

La Gousse (1880) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
La Gousse is a small, detailed oil painting by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1880. It portrays a hunting dog, standing alert with its body slightly angled as though it has just spotted something in the distance. The dog’s fur, a mix of white with dark brown patches, is textured with expressive brushstrokes that convey its wiry coat. The background is a simple, natural landscape with a clear blue sky, emphasizing the dog as the central focus. Despite the relatively simple subject matter, the artist’s signature attention to detail and character shines through.

This painting was created during Toulouse-Lautrec’s early years, before he became widely known for his scenes of Parisian nightlife. Born into an aristocratic family, he grew up with a love of animals, and this piece reflects his connection to the countryside and its traditions. Around the time La Gousse was painted, Lautrec was still exploring more traditional themes like animals and landscapes, which were a precursor to his later, more famous works of people and city life. His early works are often more academic in nature, influenced by the Impressionist movement, which he was beginning to adopt​

The painting is executed in oil on a small panel, measuring approximately 13.34 x 22.86 cm. Toulouse-Lautrec’s technique in La Gousse is marked by quick, confident brushstrokes, especially in the textured depiction of the dog’s fur. The contrasting tones of white, brown, and the earthy greens of the background give depth to the figure, while the bright blue sky provides a crisp contrast. The use of light and shadow adds a three-dimensional quality to the dog’s form, showing his early mastery of rendering volume and realism​

While La Gousse is primarily a portrait of a dog, the work can be seen as a reflection of Toulouse-Lautrec’s attachment to rural life and his aristocratic upbringing. Dogs, often symbols of loyalty and companionship, may also represent Toulouse-Lautrec’s own sense of grounding before his later life in the fast-paced and chaotic urban environments he would come to depict. The poised stance of the dog suggests alertness, perhaps evoking the artist’s attention to detail and observation​

La Gousse offers insight into Toulouse-Lautrec’s formative years as an artist. Though his more famous works would later focus on the Parisian underworld, this painting reveals his early skill in more traditional genres. It also showcases his ability to capture character, even in an animal subject. The piece is now housed in the Dallas Museum of Art and provides a glimpse of the artist’s development before he became a major figure in modern art​

Add a touch of classic art history to your space with La Gousse by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. This gallery-wrapped canvas print captures the rich textures and lifelike detail of the original 1880 painting, offering a timeless glimpse into Toulouse-Lautrec’s early work. Available in multiple sizes with walnut or black frame options, this piece will enhance any room with its elegance and charm. Each canvas is crafted with a solid face to ensure a crisp, taut appearance, bringing the beauty of this masterpiece to life on your walls.