Dogs Playing Poker Cashes in at Auction

Ever see that painting with five dogs playing poker? Of course you have -- it's one of those icons of Americana that embarrasses the nation on the international stage.

Not anymore.

According to CNN/Money, two paintings in the "Dogs Playing Poker" series were auctioned on Tuesday by Doyle New York for a combined $590,400. Take that, Picasso.

The paintings -- titled "A Bold Bluff" and "Waterloo: Two" -- were snapped up by an anonymous buyer from New York City. Both masterworks were painted in 1903 by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge as part of a 16-painting set commissioned by a Minnesota advertising firm. CNN/Money notes that all 16 Coolidge paintings portray dogs in human situations, with nine of the 16 showcasing canines playing cards. -- Mac

Posted by Mac at February 16, 2005 12:43 PM | TrackBack