Ancient and modern art is filled with human representations of animals. Animals have always fascinated us with their mysterious, beautiful and elusive qualities, as well as the important role they play in our lives. In the very first cave drawings, animal hunting was depicted. As well as being important for our survival and spirituality, animals also became symbols of deeper meanings. We will look at some of the most iconic animals in artwork:
Horses
Horses are powerful, majestic creatures with stunning lines. It’s no wonder that they have been the subject of many great works. George Stubbs’ painting Whistlejacket is a classic portrait of a horse. Stubbs was regarded as an equine master. Jill Greenberg’s photography captures the energy and grace that horses possess. For Bronze Horse Sculptures, see the work of Gill Parker
Cats
Since ancient Egypt, cats have been idolised. Their elegance, poise, and aloofness make them irresistible as a subject for art. Suzanne Valadon’s oil painting “Two Cats” was a huge success because she found inspiration in her life of eccentricity, surrounded by animals. Renoir painted ‘Girl and Cat,’ a famous painting from 1880. It beautifully captured the moment when a cat becomes curious and startled. Cats were also the subject of works by Goya, Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Elephants
Salvador Dali used spider-legged Elephants in a few of his works. The paintings highlight the weight and strength of the elephants’ bodies. Elephants have been revered by many cultures as animals of transport and in religion. Early cave drawings feature elephants, they are part of Indian culture and history, and in modern art both Banksy & Warhol have used them.
Cows and Bulls
It’s not surprising that animals like cows and pigs have been a major inspiration for human art. Bulls in particular have become a symbol of power, stubbornness and masculinity. Picasso’s ‘Guernica,’ a famous work of art with bulls in it, is one example. Guernica was a Spanish village that was devastated by German bombings during the Spanish Civil War. This painting was a powerful political statement, and it became a symbol for anti-war sentiment. Andy Warhol’s ‘Cow’ was designed as wallpaper, and featured four different colour combinations for a cow’s face.
Birds
Humans have always been fascinated by the beauty of flying animals. Birds of all sizes, whether they are soaring high above or flapping their wings in majestic prowess, often appear in ancient and contemporary art. They are often used as symbols of peace or freedom, such as Picasso’s 1949 painting “The Dove”. This iconic drawing was used as a symbol for peace during the Cold War by The Peace Movement.
