Pair of Dog Prints: First Game & Revenge
Nathaniel Currier: c. 1835-56

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First Game dog print Revenge dog print
Detail of First Game Detail of Revenge
First Game
Revenge
Nathaniel Currier, New York: c. 1835-56
Hand-colored lithographs in original frames
8.5 x 13 inches, printed border
10 x 14.25 inches, overall
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Pair of prints depicting two frisky hunting dogs at play in an idyllic pastoral setting, with riders on horseback in the background.  In First Game, a greyhound and bull terrier bound across a field together.  In Revenge, the bull terrier springs upon the considerably larger greyhound and nips its ear.  These prints were published by Nathaniel Currier before Ives joined his firm.  Such genre scenes of animals and portrayals of rural life were popular subjects of Currier & Ives prints.

The lithography firm of Currier & Ives was founded in 1834 by Nathaniel Currier as N. Currier, Lithographer, and based in New York. In 1852, he brought his brother-in-law, James Merritt Ives, into the business and renamed the firm Currier & Ives five years later.  They were extremely prolific and highly successful, producing almost 7,500 different separately issued art prints through the 19th century until 1907, aptly advertising themselves as "Print-makers to the American People." Their prints were issued in either small, medium or large folio, though some particularly popular images were issued in more than one size.  Dozens of American artists in the mid 19th century painted primarily for lithographic reproduction by Currier & Ives and other firms.  To please a broad audience, the firm presented a warmly positive vision of America, frequently sentimental, and sometimes with a touch of humor. Currier & Ives prints generally portrayed the American landscape, scenery and landmarks, including the westward expansion, as well as daily life in both urban and rural settings. Their sporting and maritime subjects were particularly popular. These prints are now highly collectible as records of American history, as fine works of American art, and for their decorative appeal.

Full publication information: N. Currier, 152 Nassau St., New York

References:

Bonfante-Warren, Alexandra.  Currier & Ives: Portraits of a Nation.  New York: Friedman/Fairfax, 1998.  pp. 9, 23-41.

Conningham, Frederic A.  Currier and Ives Prints: An Illustrated Check List.  New York: Crown, 1949. 1971 and 5133.