Animals in Art

David Gilhooly (American, 1943–2013), Jelly Bean Bear in Ark, 1981. Ceramic, 13 x 8 x 13 in. Crocker Art Museum, gift of Joanne and William Rees, 2018.115.27.

Animals appear in many different forms and settings throughout the Crocker’s collection and have been a favorite subject for many artists. From playful pets and trusty companions, to wild creatures and characters all their own, animals amuse, inspire, and reflect our histories and evolving relationship to the natural world.

Image: David Gilhooly (American, 1943–2013), Jelly Bean Bear in Ark, 1981. Ceramic, 13 x 8 x 13 in. Crocker Art Museum, gift of Joanne and William Rees, 2018.115.27

Pets

Working Animals and Livestock

Wild Animals

Animals as Characters

Art Activities

For Teachers
Kids Create

Use the following lesson plans from the Mel and Leta Ramos Family Virtual Education Center at the Crocker Art Museum to discuss the elements of art as your students create their own artworks.

Works from this Theme

A False Friend is Worse than an Open Enemy Johann Elias Ridinger 18th Century 1871.2009
A False Friend is Worse than an Open Enemy
Johann Elias Ridinger
A Shepherd and his Flock in the Early Morning Mist Granville Redmond 20th Century 2008.15
A Shepherd and his Flock in the Early Morning Mist
Granville Redmond
Afternoon Fog Francis Todhunter 20th Century 2022.49.19
Afternoon Fog
Francis Todhunter
Bangali Ragini: Seated Lady in the Guise of an Ascetic Visited by a Lion, folio from a Ragamala Series Indian (18th Century) 18th Century 2023.54.113
Bangali Ragini: Seated Lady in the Guise of an Ascetic Visited by a Lion, folio from a Ragamala Series
Indian (18th Century)

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