Dogs Playing Poker - Friendship Greeting Card

INSIDE GREETING: There's nothing like a good friend.

Undoubtedly, you've crossed paths with this iconic image, but did you know its official title is A Friend In Need (a nod to that sly, card-hiding bulldog) by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge? Often hailed as "the most famous American artist you’ve never heard of," it's more colloquially recognized as part of the famous series Dogs Playing Poker. Initially comprising 18 paintings on the same theme, the series was commissioned in 1903 by the publishing company Brown & Bigelow for calendars, posters, and prints to advertise cigars. While quickly gaining popularity, these paintings were simultaneously deemed kitschy during their time. Surprisingly, this playful depiction has seamlessly embedded itself in pop culture for over a century, solidifying its status as one of the most recognizable and enduring pieces of art. See this image as an art print!

Cassius Marcellus Coolidge (1844-1934), sometimes signing his work as Kash Koolidge, was an American artist best known for his iconic series of paintings featuring anthropomorphic dogs engaging in various human activities. Born in upstate New York, Coolidge initially worked as a druggist before pursuing his passion for art. His whimsical and humorous dog paintings, created during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, have become legendary. Among his most famous works is the Dogs Playing Poker series, which has left an indelible mark on American popular culture. Coolidge's ability to infuse humor and relatability into his art, combined with his love for dogs, has made his illustrations a beloved and enduring part of American art history.

This product was custom designed and created at our location in Seattle.

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