Italian Greyhounds would have to be one of the most elegant and delicate looking breed of dogs and they have the most beautiful eyes! Italian Greyhounds, or “Iggy’s” as they are affectionately called, are the smallest of the sighthound family and despite their Toy breed classification and companion dog status, many still retain the instinct to chase small animals and birds!
The breed has a long and noble history spanning thousands of years. Mummified remains of dogs similar to Italian Greyhounds have been excavated from the tombs of the Pharaoh’s in the Valley of Kings and it is believed that the breed originated in Egypt around 3000BC. These small hounds were taken to the Mediterranean by the Romans around 600 BC, and because of their popularity in Italy during the middle ages, they became known as Italian Greyhounds and were frequent companions to European Royalty and Aristocracy including Mary Queen of Scots, Charles 1, Catherine the great and Queen Victoria. This elegant breed has been portrayed in art throughout the centuries from paintings to carvings and ceramic statues.
I strive to capture the essence of the individual animal in my artwork and so much of this is conveyed through the eyes, which are what compelled me to paint this gorgeous Italian Greyhound from a photo reference by fellow artist C. Sheeter. I hope I have captured that unique spark in ‘Magnifico’.
Magnifico - Italian Greyhound Portrait Painting by Michelle Wrighton
Art prints and gifts featuring my Italian Greyhound Painting ‘Magnifico’ are available for sale in the following places;
Art By Michelle Etsy shop – signed and custom prints options for sale
Redbubble Art Shop Gift cards, matted, laminated, canvas and framed art prints for sale
Zazzle Art Shop Posters, ornaments, t-shirts, bags, posters, coffee mugs, canvas prints magnets, shoes, photo cards for sale
Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing my art and photography with your family and friends!
x Michelle
Michelle Wrighton: Animal, Wildlife & Landscape Fine Art & Photography
FACEBOOK: Michelle Wrighton Artist
TWITTER: artistMichelleW
SHOP CUSTOMIZED ART PRINTS, T-SHIRTS & GIFTS: Zazzle
SHOP CARDS, MATTED, LAMINATED AND FRAMED ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS: Redbubble
