“A Bold Bluff,” crafted by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge in 1903, represents a notable work within the Kitsch art movement. As part of the “Dogs Playing Poker (1903)” series, this painting belongs to the animal painting genre.
The artwork vividly portrays a group of anthropomorphic dogs gathered around a poker table, each engaged in a game of cards. The dogs exhibit human-like expressions and postures, with one particularly standing out, holding a cigar in its mouth, suggesting a moment of tension or strategy in the game. Set in a richly decorated room with green curtains and plush green chairs, the scene is illuminated by a hanging lamp that casts a focused light on the poker table. The vibrant use of color, combined with the detailed depiction of the dogs and the surroundings, evokes a whimsical yet dramatic atmosphere typical of Coolidge’s celebrated series.
