Animals Inspire Art

Puppy love through the ages

Think puppy love is a relatively new phenomenon marked by designer dog attire and day trips to the doggy spa? Well, we beg to differ. Our culture's connection to dogs dates way back. See for yourself at Feathers, Fins, and Furs, a new multimedia exhibit created by the students of John Hopkins University. Curator of the museum, Catherine Rogers Arthur offers, "This is an opportunity to view Homewood in a different way and imagine the nonhuman family members that trotted the halls and scratched the furniture."

The exhibit uncovers early America's relationship with domestic pets through a collection of antique art pieces. Examining the artwork provides valuable insights into the roots of American pet-parent relations. Many of our modern day practices stem from century old traditions. Arthur comments, "We found evidence of dogs eating off of utilitarian stoneware like kitchen crockery — not dog bowls."

Feathers, Fins, and Furs can be seen at Homewood House, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore through March 11, 2007.

Photo thanks to the Examiner