In the ‘Scottish Art 1800–1945’ section of the National Gallery of Scotland, an unassuming oil-on-canvas painting of a small white dog hangs. The scruffy, though charming, subject is a Dandie Dinmont terrier, a rare Scottish breed, after whom the painting is titled: Callum. Although the scene is set in the dingy corner of a barn, with a freshly-deceased rat by Callum’s front paws, the painting’s history is far from modest.
John Emms was a Norfolk-born artist inspired by hounds, horses, and hunting. From 1866, his works were regularly exhibited at London’s Royal Academy. Though he spent much time in London, he mostly worked from his studio in Hampshire. In 1895, Emms painted Callum at the request of owner James Cowan Smith, a civil engineer known for his philanthropy.
Upon his death in 1912, Cowan Smith left his estate to the National Gallery, valued then at £55,000 (approximately £7.34 million today). Cowan Smith instructed that any interest accrued was to be used to purchase artworks, which has since enabled the acquisition of over 40 works by world-renowned artists such as Turner and Goya.
However, there were two caveats to Cowan Smith’s will: that the gallery care for his current dog Fury, who outlived him; and that they permanently display the portrait of Callum, who was at that point deceased. The National Gallery acquiesced.
Paul Keevil, co-ordinator of a project focussed on the breed, has connected Callum to another famous Edinburgh canine: Greyfriars Bobby. He notes, “whereas Bobby’s story illustrates a dog’s fidelity to his master, Callum’s story shows a master’s fidelity towards his dog.”
The unique story behind the painting Callum has helped bring attention to Dandie Dinmont terriers, who continue to be one of the most endangered dog breeds — although the population is slowly climbing again after a long period of decline.
Image by Tracy Ratliff (@paisley_pen_creative) for The Student
