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Notes

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Barlow is the earliest known British-born animal painter. He began a tradition that reached a high-point in the work of George Stubbs a century later. During Barlow’s lifetime animal paintings were still largely associated with decorative arts and the interior design of houses. This painting, like many animal pictures, was probably produced to hang over a door. The spaniels shown here may be portraits of particular dogs, so the painting may have been commissioned by their owner. Wealthy families often kept exotic pets as well, and the African monkeys may highlight the patron’s cultivated affluence.

Tate Britain

London

Title

Monkeys and Dogs Playing

Date

1661

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 105.5 x W 132 cm

Accession number

T05572

Acquisition method

Purchased with the assistance of the Friends of the Tate Gallery 1989

Work type

Painting

Tate Britain

Millbank, London, Greater London SW1P 4RG England

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Monkeys and Dogs Playing

Francis Barlow (1626–1704)

Tate Britain

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Notes

Tate Britain