2021 San Francisco Fall Show – Man’s Best Friend

October 20, 2021

The 2021 San Francisco Fall Show is now live on InCollect through October 24. Today’s blogpost explores dogs, AKA “man’s best friend”. The earliest citation of this expression in the U.S. is traced to a poem by C.S. Winkle printed in The New-York Literary Journal, Volume 4, 1821:

The faithful dog – why should I strive

To speak his merits, while they live

In every breast, and man’s best friend

Does often at his heels attend.

Here are a few lovely examples from the show:

A Rare Four-Fold Screen with panels by Maud Earl, circa 1910. Maud Earl is quite possibly one of the most famous animal and dog painters of the nineteenth century, becoming a celebrity during the Victorian era and now occupying a place in the art historical canon alongside earlier painters such as Jean-Baptiste Oudry.
From Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge: Piero Fornasetti Afghan Hound Umbrella Stand, “Levriero Afgano”, 1950s
From Barbara Israel Garden Antiques: Cast Stone Fountain, circa 1960
A glazed ceramic dog figurine sits on a flat green and yellow base. The dog, aptly capturing the spirit of Man’s Best Friend, is light blue with floppy ears, a slightly turned head, and painted details in brown and black. Reminiscent of vintage or antique styles, this charming piece would have been right at home at the 2021 San Francisco Fall Show.
From Engs-Dimitri: Faience Model of a Spaniel, Mombaers Factory Brussels, 18th century
From Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge: Paintings of Hunting Dogs by Richard Dodd Widdas, English, 19th century
A small, house-shaped wicker pet house with woven sides, an arched front entrance, and intricate decorative detailing along the frame—perfect for Man’s Best Friend. The structure is light brown and made of natural materials, making it a charming addition to any space.
From James Sansum Fine & Decorative Art: English Edwardian Wicker Dog House, circa 1900

By Vera Vandenbosch