Dazzling Fireworks: Dog's Worst Enemy

Jost Amman (Swiss, before 1539–1591). Entry of Maximilian II into Nuremberg, June 7, 1570, 1570. Etching and engraving; Sheet: 9 1/16 x 13 11/16 in. (23 x 34.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1953 (53.600.585)

«Happy (belated) Fourth of July! What a perfect time for gathering with friends and family beside the grill to enjoy cold beverages, poolside shenanigans, and overwhelming displays of red, white, and blue decorations. Oh, and we can't forget the fireworks! After all, who doesn't love a good fireworks show?»

Well, apparently dogs don't!

In a recent article, "A New Treatment for Dogs Scared by Thunder and Fireworks," the New York Times referenced a few scientific studies on dog phobias, some of which assert that "at least 40 percent of dogs experience noise anxiety." These anxieties would undoubtedly be set off by the loud, booming crackle of fireworks on the Fourth of July. Dogs with these phobias are said to desperately try to escape the scene, often by running as far away as they can or by other displays of flight behavior.

Left: This dog in Jost Amman's Entry of Maximilian II into Nuremberg, June 7, 1570 seems particularly frightened.

From an art-historical standpoint based on my own research of The Met collection, I can say that the dogs depicted in artworks with firework displays don't seem too happy to be around such loud noises either! For example, in Swiss artist Jost Amman's Entry of Maximilian II into Nuremberg, June 7, 1570, you can see a clearly terrified dog in the bottom, right-hand corner. And again in Dirk Langendijk's City Square with Fireworks, we see a dog running wildly in the bottom, left side of the drawing.

Dirk Langendijk (Dutch, 1748–1805). City Square with Fireworks, ca. 1796. Brush and gray ink, pen and brown ink, with white heightening; 4 5/16 x 6 9/16 in. (11.0 x 16.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Susan H. Seidel Gift, 2000 (2000.30)

Although you can't bring your dog into the galleries to see their fellow, albeit ancestral, canines similarly scared out of their wits by the sound of fireworks, be sure to look out for dogs in the many works of art currently on view at the Museum.

Frederick George Richard Roth (American, 1872–1944). Tricky Paterboots Clark, 1910. Bronze; 5 1/2 x 11 1/8 x 4 in. (14 x 28.3 x 10.2 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Ella Mabel Clark, 1910 (10.115)

Before your next visit to The Met, check out "Fireworks!: Four Centuries of Pyrotechnics in Prints & Drawings." While you're at it, share your favorite Met artworks featuring human's best friend or share your own experience with dogs and fireworks!