How much does the original painting "Dogs Playing Poker" cost?

How much does the original painting "Dogs Playing Poker" cost? - briefly

The original painting "Dogs Playing Poker," created by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge in 1894, is part of the private collection of the Brooklyn Museum. While the exact value of this iconic piece has not been publicly disclosed, similar works by Coolidge have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions, indicating its significant worth.

How much does the original painting "Dogs Playing Poker" cost? - in detail

The original painting titled "Dogs Playing Poker," also known as "A Friend in Need," is part of a series of humorous paintings created by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge. The series, which includes 18 paintings in total, was commissioned by Brown & Bigelow, a promotional company based in St. Paul, Minnesota. The paintings were used on calendars and other promotional materials to advertise cigars and tobacco products.

Determining the exact cost of the original "Dogs Playing Poker" painting is challenging because Coolidge created multiple versions of the series for different clients. Additionally, over the years, several copies and reproductions have been made, further complicating the valuation process. However, it is known that some of the paintings from this series have sold at auctions for considerable sums.

In 2015, one of the paintings from the "Dogs Playing Poker" series, titled "Poker Game," was sold at an auction held by Doyle New York. This particular painting fetched a price of $588,500, setting a new record for a Coolidge painting. While this specific sale does not represent the original "Dogs Playing Poker" painting, it provides insight into the potential value of such artworks in today's market.

It is worth noting that the value of these paintings can vary significantly based on several factors, including their condition, provenance, and historical significance. The original "Dogs Playing Poker" painting has become an iconic piece of Americana, recognized for its whimsical depiction of anthropomorphized dogs engaged in a poker game. This popularity has undoubtedly contributed to the high demand and value associated with the series.

In conclusion, while there is no definitive public record of the cost of the original "Dogs Playing Poker" painting, the significant sums fetched by other paintings from the series indicate that the original could command a similarly high price at auction. The enduring appeal and cultural relevance of Coolidge's work continue to drive interest and value among art collectors and enthusiasts.