The Story Behind the C. M. Coolidge “Dogs Playing Poker” Paintings
Business / by jimmy willams / 31 views
It was 1638 in Venice, Italy when the first casino opened its doors. Since then, casinos have served as popular recreational establishments for people from all walks of life. And naturally, with this long history has come an endless stream of different types of casino memorabilia and gaming relics. There have been iconic photos of celebrities at Las Vegas card tables; there are antique chip sets and cards that sell for fortunes; and books like The Expert at the Card Table have been passed from one generation to the next.
Two of the most noteworthy examples of this sort of casino memorabilia are the Dogs Playing Poker paintings that were auctioned off for an astounding USD 590,400 at Doyle New York’s annual Dogs in Art Auction in 2005. But what is it about these paintings that enticed the buyers to bid such an extraordinary amount of money? Read on for the story behind these two paintings.
The Rise of Dogs Playing Poker Paintings
Who Painted Dogs Playing Poker?
American artist Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, also known as C. M. Coolidge, began painting the Dogs Playing Poker series in 1894. Altogether, he composed 18 signature pieces that make up the entire collection. The C. M. Coolidge Dogs Playing Poker series depicts anthropomorphized dogs playing poker, smoking cigars and pipes, drinking whiskey, wearing glasses, and collecting chips–– all parts of what once might have symbolized American leisure and social activity (or possibly Coolidge’s life).
Through the years and from one generation to the next, these works of art slowly gained fame and developed a distinct reputation for their unique and original qualities. Coolidge’s ability to be playful with his creations–– combined with keen humor, attention to detail, and an amazing gift of connecting to the American psyche–– led to the sale of his works.
A Record-Breaking Sale
Prior to the Dogs in Art Auction, it was estimated that the C. M. Coolidge Dogs Playing Poker series paintings would sell for between $30,000 and $50,000. After numerous rounds of fierce bidding, the paintings, titled A Bold Bluff and A Waterloo, sold for a grand total of $590,400, setting a new record for Coolidge’s works. After the astronomical sale, the Dogs Playing Poker theme gained even more popularity worldwide.
- Listing ID: 22937