WHAT A DOG’S LIFE! At Musée de la civilisation in Québec City, October 30, 2002, to October 19, 2003 Issa, volunteer for Mira Photo : Jacques Lessard Do you go gaga over your dog’s feats? Well you’re not alone! Dogs were the first domesticated animals and have been man’s companion for the last 12,000 years. They have become an indispensable part of millions of people’s lives. The What a dog’s life! exhibition at Québec City’s Musée de la civilisation from October 30, 2002, to October 19, 2003, invites you to discover the stories of illustrious dogs down through the ages: Diane, Blonde, Nonette, Lise, Coco, Barry, Issa, and others. The What a dog’s life! exhibition is divided into four theme sections giving visitors the chance to admire nearly 170 objects from the canine world. Paintings by the great masters, tapestries, sculptures, doghouses, collars, and various examples of canine ready-to-wear apparel and accessories skillfully illustrate the major themes of dog life. These remarkable pieces come from leading museums and private collections in six countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, U.S., and Canada). "This exhibition is a good example of the privileged relations Musée de la civilisation currently maintains with its European and American counterparts. The exceptional cooperation of the Paris Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature aided us greatly in mounting this exhibit," declare On the road to Zanzibar San Francisco, Hunstman architectural group. Photo : Jacques Lessard d Musée de la civilization general manager Claire Simard at a press tour of the exhibition. The themes of these magnificent objects The exhibition presents the evolution of the hunting dog as its role gradually changed to that of companion animal. Among the items on display are a 17th century German mail shirt, an exceptional piece that protected the animal from the perils of the battlefield; exquisite paintings such as Scène de chasse au vol from the 17th century Flemish school, and Diane et Blonde and La Chienne blanche au buisson de sureau, early 18thcentury paintings of Louis XIV’s dogs by Alexandre-François Desportes; and a large 16th century tapestry, La Chasse au loup. Since kings, nobles, knights, and gentlewomen all loved their pets, they spared no effort in ensuring the comfort of dogs both courtly and common. To illustrate this change in role for dogs, La Lice et ses petits by Jean-Baptiste Oudry in 1752 exalts the animal by accentuating the impression of maternity. In this era we see the appearance of unusual items such as a totally collapsible Polish-style dog bed that one of Louis XV’s counts had designed so that his dog could come with him wherever he went. In our love for these animals, we sometimes even infuse them with human feelings. This social reality is particularly evident in Belgian painter Thierry Poncelet’s dog head paintings, which portray dogs with a sense of humor, sensitivity, and irreverence. Popularization of the dog Originally a mere fancy of the upper classes, dogs became popularized in the 19th century. They began to show up in families, where they were treated as full-fledged members. The role of a dog as a play companion is particularly well illustrated in paintings by Théophile Hamel and William Raphaël, in which dogs are loyal and affectionate companions to children. Dogs can also be unrelenting workers who unknowingly become heroes at times. Barry, the St. Bernard that allegedly saved some 40 people in Switzerland in the early 19th century, is a legendary example of this. A life-size sculpture of the animal illustrates this theme perfectly. An Sissi, Yorkshire Terrier, 2 years old and Pedro, Great Dane, 7 years old. Photo : Jacques Lessard interactive video also presents the talents of police, therapy, guide, and search & rescue dogs. A dog is forever Will we have dogs in the afterlife? There is no doubt that this animal was venerated even in ancient times as demonstrated by pre-Columbian art and the Egyptian Anubis figurine. The existence of canine funeral ceremonies is illustrated by a tombstone of Marie-Antoinette’s favorite dog Coco, and an urn by the American Toni Mann. In Chien apocalyptique, Dallaire’s dog sets the tone of our modern world amongst the rubble of Ground Zero. Objects and accessories for pampered dogs For many years canine accessories have shown how close dogs and their masters truly are. Today’s chic dog collars, upscale doggy apparel, and deluxe perfume are telling examples—we want only the best for Fido! There are even designer doghouses, dog collars and leashes by Hermès, a ready-to-wear canine collection by Parisian designer Marie Poirier with everything from the perfecto to the evening gown, as well as Issa the Maltese’s elaborate wardrobe of clothing and accessories. The exhibition explores the very latest in canine elegance! As Serge Gainsbourg once so eloquently said, “When you walk your dog you’re on a leash.” Visitors will also enjoy contemporary works and installations such as Pique-nique de garçons à têtes de chiens, which will rouse as many smiles as they do musing. Woman of quality, Louis XV style Thierry Poncelet Photo : Jacques Lessard An exhibition in a fitting decor Oversized doghouses provide a fitting backdrop for the works and objects in this exhibit. The thematic visit is interspersed with grassy areas that add depth to the presentation. Bone-shaped benches encourage visitors to pause and appreciate the beautiful exhibit pieces. Dog shadows further add to the visit, incorporating educational vignettes on our friends the dogs, whose population in Québec has reached 892,000 and who now are found in 23% of homes (according to a survey by Léger Marketing for the Académie de médecine vétérinaire du Québec, 2002). What a dog’s life!—a meeting with Blonde, Diane, Coco, Issa, Sissi, Barry, Pedro and others that’s not to be missed, running October 30, 2002 to October 19, 2003, at Musée de la civilisation in Quebec City. The exhibition has been produced in cooperation with Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris, Defargo and Le Soleil. Informations: Serge Poulin, [418] 643-2158 Relations publiques et communications Issued : October 29, 2002

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