Animals in Art

Across time and cultures, people have looked to animals for artistic inspiration. Whether wild or domesticated, presented within their own ecosystems or in our homes, animals appear as subjects for artists working in a variety of media, styles, and traditions. Artists consider the relationships between animals and humans, utilize animals as symbols, and explore their roles in myth, religion, or folklore. Animals are sometimes depicted as part of scientific investigations; elsewhere, they are admired for their beauty. These myriad portrayals reflect cultural beliefs, societal values, and human understanding of the natural world. The works in this exhibition are drawn from The Joslyn’s collection and offer a glimpse into some of the ways that furry and feathered creatures have left their mark on art history.

Pictured: Rosa Bonheur (French, 1822–1899), Landscape with Cattle, c. 1850s, oil on panel, 7 × 9 in. (17.8 × 22.9 cm), Bequest of Mrs. C. N. Dietz, 1939.34