Bar Hounds

Submitted by Douglas Wood March 19th, 2010
Certifikitsch Winner

This 1950 print by Constance Depler Coleman (who, by the way, is still alive and churning out art) is entitled, “Bar Hounds” and seems to be targeting the same audience as its more famous cousin in anthropomorphized canines– “Dogs Playing Poker.” I have to say I prefer this one (not just because it brings back memories of seeing a similar print in a different color palette on the wall of my grandfather’s den many years ago) but because it’s actually pretty charming in its ability to capture recognizable human character types in dogs. So while I wouldn’t put this up there at the highest echelon of kitsch with the more innocently clueless stuff we all know and love, I’m hoping it doesn’t have too much class and artistry to qualify as true kitsch. I look forward to hearing Allee’s opinion on this one.

2 Responses to “Bar Hounds”

  1. Allee Willis

    It’s definitely Kitsch because of the clothes the dogs are wearing, the artwork of the dogs on the wall and the popularity of these kind of dog prints for decades now. The only reason I don’t lean toward them is because of how common they are (the same with dogs playing poker) but there’s no question that this is a classic.

    I like this one better than the dogs playing poker because it’s a little less common. I always love the little Chihuahua delivering the newspaper. My favorite couple is the lady poodle and the great Dane in the sailor suit. I also love the color scheme.

    This is the kind of thing that I say is a little too common but if I ever came across an incredible print of it, which this one looks to be, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up.

  2. denny

    Holy cow! A Chihuahua wearing a hat with a newspaper neatly tucked under his/her arm! I also love the art within the art. I also dig the dog wearing the shaw and carrying the red purse! This would be hanging on my living room wall for sure.