Fidelity

Briton Riviere 1840-1920

Oil on canvas, dated 1869

This painting shows a poacher and his faithful dog awaiting trial. The dog as a companion in adversity became a subject frequently treated by the artist, for example 'His Only Friend' (1871) at Manchester Art Gallery, Sympathy' (1877) at the Royal Holloway College and 'Companions in Misfortune (1883) at Tate Britain.

'Fidelity' was well received by the critics, although the Times objected to its lack of realism - prisoners are not locked up with their dogs, earthenware jars and loose straw. The Art Journal critic particularly admired the dog:

'very admirable for the expression of sympathy and pity he bestows upon his master; the head is well studied and capitally painted.'

From the Lady Lever Art Gallery, accession number LL3123

In this section

• 'Fidelity'
• Sniffer dogs
• Wooden toy dogs
• Spiked dog collar
• Brindle dog
• 'His Turn Next'
• Jet of Iada
• Rope dog collar
• Jasperware canister
• 'Besieged'
• Stoneware greyhound fairings
• Dog Roses
• Dogs online exhibition

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