The artwork, titled “Dog Woman,” was created by Paula Rego in 1994. Falling within the Expressionism movement, this genre painting presents a vivid and emotional subject through Rego’s distinctive style.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted in a primal, almost animalistic posture, crouching low with one hand extended forward and the other resting on the ground, reminiscent of a dog. Her fierce expression and contorted body convey intense emotion and raw physicality. The background is kept abstract and muted, with the woman’s figure dominating the scene, emphasizing her dynamic form and the stark, expressive use of color and line. The attire of the woman appears loose and casual, contributing to the earthy and visceral quality of the painting. This artwork powerfully reflects themes of human nature and instinct, portrayed through a deeply emotive and unconventional perspective characteristic of Paula Rego’s work.
