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Historian Laqueur Explores Dogs' Impact on Western Art

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Thomas Laqueur, a cultural historian, argues in his new book that dogs ground western art, as seen with the mastiff in Velázquez’s Las Meninas.
He traces dogs from Paleolithic cave art in France to modern interpretations, highlighting their bond with humans.
Laqueur notes that dogs often engage with viewers, prompting reflection on the artwork.
Even amid criticism, artists like Veronese retained dogs in their compositions, underscoring their enduring significance.

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Story summary

Thomas Laqueur, a cultural historian, argues in his new book that dogs ground western art, as seen with the mastiff in Velázquez’s Las Meninas.
He traces dogs from Paleolithic cave art in France to modern interpretations, highlighting their bond with humans.
Laqueur notes that dogs often engage with viewers, prompting reflection on the artwork.
Even amid criticism, artists like Veronese retained dogs in their compositions, underscoring their enduring significance.