A bold bluff by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge

The American artist Cassius Marcellus Coolidge is world-famous for creating canine genre scenes full of mischief and derision. This captivating work, temporarily designated under the title of “A bold bluff”, perfectly illustrates the creator’s comic and narrative genius. In this iconic painting, the dogs adopt the characteristic behaviors and expressions of professional gamblers, symbolizing the vices and pleasures of human society.

Around a circular green-felt card table, many different dog breeds are absorbed in an intense poker game. On the left, an imposing Saint Bernard with glasses closely observes his opponents, while a bulldog with a studded collar examines his cards with suspicion. In the center, a mastiff smokes a cigar confidently, holding a promising hand in his paw. To his left, a light-coated collie seems more distant, while a robust Great Dane on the right holds a pipe and casts a calculating glance at the pile of accumulated chips. A hanging lamp casts a sharp light onto the play area, contrasting with the warm red walls of the room.

Coolidge demonstrates impressive anatomical precision in the facial expressions of his canine characters, revealing the psychology of the game with humor. The fineness of his brushstrokes to restore the texture of the coat of each breed bears witness to his excellent training as an illustrator.