1 / 7The Dog’s Gaze: A Visual History
The Dog’s Gaze: A Visual History by cultural historian Thomas W. Laqueur explores the roles dogs play in Western art, from the Paleolithic era to the present. It connects their appearances in artworks with human ideas about companionship, morality, memory, and the afterlife.
At a glance
- Examines dogs in Western visual art from the Paleolithic era onward.
- Discusses artists including Giotto, Goya, Rubens, and Rego.
- Frames dogs in art as narrative participants and witnesses, not merely decorative motifs.
- Described as richly illustrated and written by cultural historian Thomas W. Laqueur.
Reference price: $45.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines art history with a cultural account of the human-canine relationship.
- Its long historical scope gives readers a way to follow changing depictions of dogs across eras.
- The listed 400-page length and illustrated focus suit readers looking for an extended visual-history treatment.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Penguin Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | June 2, 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 400 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0593652797 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0593652794 |
| Weight listed | 1.25 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.28 x 1.33 x 9.52 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Dog lovers interested in art and cultural history.
- Readers looking at how animals function in Western art and visual storytelling.
- Art-history readers seeking a thematic survey spanning periods and artists.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking dog-care advice, breed information, or a practical training guide.
- Readers looking for a narrowly focused monograph on one artist or art period.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
77% 77% - 4 stars
11% 11% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
5% 5%
Customer feedback describes the book as informative and appealing to dog lovers, with its art collection and illustrations singled out as strengths. That response fits the listed focus on dogs in art across a broad historical span. Ratings skew strongly toward the top end, but a smaller share are lower, so the aggregate does not establish that every reader will find the subject or approach equally engaging.
Positive themes
- Customer feedback highlights the art and illustrations.
- Customers describe the content as informative and interesting.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Dog’s Gaze about?
It explores the presence and meaning of dogs in Western art, relating their roles in images to human stories and the bond between people and dogs.
Which historical periods and artists does it cover?
The listing describes a span from the Paleolithic era to the present and names Giotto, Goya, Rubens, and Rego among its examples.
Is this a dog-care or training book?
No. The supplied description presents it as an illustrated visual and cultural history, not as a care or training manual.
How long is the listed edition?
The product details list a print length of 400 pages.
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