Gryphon - Yorkie, Part II (The Inspiration)

 Shakespearian Jester by Chas. A. Buchel (1872 - 1950 )

The inspirations for my pet portraits often come from the pet owner's words. A good description of the animal's personality, habits, idiosyncrasies is as important as a good photograph. But not everyone can express themselves in times of grief. I'm lucky that Carol has this ability. But for someone like me with an over active imagination, the smallest detail can inspire.  I drew from her description of Gryphon that he was strangely expressive. Like a circus contortionist, he looked like he was double-jointed and would sleep in the oddest positions. More monkey than dog at times, he would use his paws like hands and fling them around. All this made me think of a court jester or an harlequin and in extension, the animal companions and entertainers along this line. Dogs, monkeys and birds were the most popular.

Young Lady with a Parrot by Rosalba Carriera, 1730

Birds were very appreciated, not only for their beauty, but for their entertainment value. Parrots in particular because of their ability to talk and perform tricks. Portraits featuring parrots were meant to convey that the sitter was very clever and eloquent, desirable traits in 18th-century French salons. It so happens that Carol's home is also a haven for rescued parrots. 

Catherine of Aragon by Lucas Horenboult, 

late 16th century

Being portrayed with a monkey (a chained one), on the other hand, had a more complex symbolism. Rooted in religion and having to do with controlling ones base instincts and sexual desires.

 Elizabeth Bridges by Hieronimo Custodis, 1589

But cute little dogs were the most popular and remain so till this day. Softness, docility, affection and devotion were all symbolic of innocence and small children. 

Here is Carol Thorpe from Happy Tails Rescue with her little Yorkie Gryphon. In her heart, in her arms and on her clothes. Priceless.

Victoria MacKenzie-Childs is a contemporary interior designer/artist that captures the spirit of the court jester in her home collection. Colourful, whimsical and fresh, mixing and matching patterns with her signature black and white checker board/diamond pattern. To me, her distinctive style wonderfully expresses old world aesthetics in a playful, entertaining and contemporary way and is a good starting off point for Gryphon's portrait.

MacKenzie-Childs armoire from the book A Room of her Own by Chris Casson Madden,
Clarkson Potter/Publisher New York, 1997

From Victoria MacKenzie-Childs 2012 Collection