March 13, 1733

Johann Zoffany (March 13, 1733 to November 11, 1810) may be forgotten by art lovers, but he is not ignored by art historians. This article is a gossipy biographical sketch. And his painting titled "The Family of Sir William Young" (c.1767–1769) shows a feature not much mentioned: his portrayal of dogs which situates them nicely in a bourgeois family setting. These dogs and their part in a larger pack, are brilliantly conveyed.

And cats. 




Not so brilliant but they are included, probably on a realistic basis. We have above
"Portrait of Sophia Dumergue Holding a Cat" (1780). Though if you study this portrait, it looks more like the cat is holding Sophia.