Existing comment:
Traylor adeptly used animals as allegorical stand-ins for people. A diminished white man leading a giant, raging black dog may subtly refer to the paradox of slavery: a strong and mighty being, held in bondage through the powers of social agency and wealth. Traylor's paintings of single canines -- hulking animals painted in or set against blazing reds -- convey the enormity of emotions, including fear, rage, and torment, feelings that African Americans had to outwardly suppress in segregated society. |