Who painted White Poodle in a Punt?

White Poodle in a Punt was painted by George Stubbs in 1780.

Where can I see White Poodle in a Punt?

White Poodle in a Punt is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is White Poodle in a Punt?

White Poodle in a Punt is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of White Poodle in a Punt?

Museum-quality prints of White Poodle in a Punt are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

White Poodle in a Punt

George Stubbs , 1780

White Poodle in a Punt is an oil painting by the Romanticist artist George Stubbs. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Around 1780 George Stubbs painted *White Poodle in a Punt*, an oil work on canvas that captures a white poodle perched in a shallow wooden boat. The animal gazes toward the right, its curly coat and slender tail contrasting with the simple punt and the tranquil riverside scene beyond.

Subject & Meaning

The composition places the dog in a leisure setting, suggesting a moment of calm recreation on water. By focusing on the poodle’s attentive posture, Stubbs highlights the individuality of the animal while inviting viewers to consider the gentle interaction between pet and landscape.

Technique & Style

Stubbs employs a precise, almost anatomical rendering of the dog’s fur and anatomy, a hallmark of his self‑taught study of animal form. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, while the surrounding foliage and sky are treated with softer, atmospheric tones that align the piece with the emerging Romantic sensibility of the late eighteenth century.

Context

Created during a period when British art was shifting toward natural subjects and emotional resonance, the painting reflects the broader Romantic movement’s interest in everyday scenes infused with feeling. Stubbs, better known for his equine studies, applied his meticulous approach to a canine subject, demonstrating the era’s expanding definition of worthy artistic themes.