What do pet portraits mean to us?
On the grounds of Windsor Castle is a grave belonging to Dash, Queen Victoria’s much-loved King Charles Spaniel. His epitaph reads:
"His attachment was without selfishness; His playfulness without malice; His fidelity without deceit; Reader if you would live beloved; and die regretted, profit by the example of Dash."
Throughout her lifetime, Queen Victoria commissioned many dog portraits. Although artwork featuring dogs goes back centuries before her time, her influence significantly increased the popularity of dog art, especially portraits of pet dogs.
What better way to show your love and devotion to a beloved pet than to commit their image to a beautiful piece of art.