Picasso's Dachshund Muse
Lump, the dachshund who inspired Pablo Picasso and other famous artists, is featured in a new exhibition at the Kunsthalle Bremen, showcasing the breed's role in art and history
The dachshund, a breed of dog originating in Germany over 300 years ago, has been a humorous icon with political symbolism and has inspired numerous artists, including Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. An exhibition at the Kunsthalle Bremen, called 'The Dachshund. An Icon off the Leash', showcases the dachshund's role in art and history.
Pablo Picasso had a dachshund named Lump as a muse, who originally belonged to US photojournalist David Douglas Duncan. Lump met Picasso at his villa in Cannes in 1967, and on their first meeting, Picasso painted Lump's portrait onto a ceramic dinner plate. The plate and photos documenting their encounter are on show at the exhibition.
The dachshund breed has a long history, with breed standards established in 1879 and the German Teckel Club (DTK) founded in 1888. The name 'dachshund' combines the German words 'Dachs' (badger) and 'Hund' (dog), reflecting the breed's original purpose of hunting badgers.
The exhibition at the Kunsthalle Bremen features works by various artists who have paid tribute to the dachshund, including Andy Warhol, Otto Dix, David Hockney, Max Liebermann, and Rosemarie Trockel. According to exhibition curator and art historian Annett Reckert, the dachshund's iconic shape makes them interesting for art and advertisement.
## Why it matters The dachshund's role in art and history is a testament to the breed's enduring appeal and cultural significance. The exhibition at the Kunsthalle Bremen provides a unique opportunity to explore the dachshund's impact on art and society, and to appreciate the breed's iconic status. The exhibition runs until March 28, 2027, and features a range of artworks and artifacts that showcase the dachshund's fascinating history and cultural significance.
The dachshund's appeal extends beyond the art world, with the breed's unique shape and charming personality making them a beloved companion for many people around the world. As an icon of German culture and history, the dachshund continues to inspire and delight people of all ages, and its legacy as a cultural symbol shows no signs of fading.
