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Rigoberto Marquez Professor Mary Petty English 102 September 30, 2013 A Friendly Game Cassius Marcellus Coolidges A Friend In Need is a work of art that a majority of the population can recognize easily not by name, but by the characters illustrated on the canvas. It is unique in the way it captures a simplistic view of some of the guilty pleasures that most adults like to indulge themselves with while also giving a sense that there is more to the painting than initially meets the eye. Other, more famous, works of art are considered masterpieces because of the way they can connect to the viewer. Prime examples of this are Leonardo DaVincis Mona Lisa and Vincent van Goghs Starry Night. According to Leighton-Jones, a masterpiece is the work of an artist who has been absorbed by the spirit of his/her times and can transform a personal experience into a universal one. The Mona Lisa and Starry Night have that special ability that can make them be considered masterpieces. The same can be said about A Friend In Need, given that just about anyone that studies or sees this painting will have a recollection of a time when they either helped a friend or were helped by a friend during their own time of struggle. The first interpretation that comes to mind when analyzing this work of art is that the dogs represent a normal group of friends drinking and having a good time. What you see is what can be considered a typical guys night, a group of male friends sitting around the poker table drinking, smoking, and generally having a good time. As a result of this interpretation, this

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painting, and many other versions like it, can be seen up on the walls of bars, sports grills, and any other places that want to give off a fun, cool atmosphere for its patrons. Because this painting is so widely spread around these types of places, it is instantly recognized by a viewer that connects this painting with what they remember of a time spent out drinking and socializing friends. The ability of the painting to resonate seamlessly in modern culture can sometimes make viewers forget that A Friend In Need was originally commissioned in 1903. It has easily withstood the test of time and changing cultural landscapes to become quite simply the work of art that everyone who has seen it can remember visually but not by name. Even in modern times it represents the close friendship that a group of guys or bros can have. Coolidges depiction of friendship shows that even more than a century ago friendships were just like they are now and how they will continue to be. A good friend will see that a friend is down on his or her luck and will reach out to help if they are given the opportunity to. Another, more unique interpretation is viewed from a more humane perspective. The portrait can be interpreted to mean that dogs should be treated more like people, because we do share some of the same personality traits. In this case, it gives the painting a whole new meaning. It is true that we have to view dogs as more closely related to us because they are our companions and much like their human counterparts we have to respect and nurture them the same way. This is however, an interpretation that pertains more to modern times in an era were equal rights are fought for on a daily basis for all living species. An interpretation of this caliber wouldnt have been so quickly made in the era that Coolidge made this painting. With the ability of this painting to resonate clearly in the minds of everyone that lays eyes upon it, I believe that A Friend In Need should be considered a masterpiece. Although probably

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not in the same conversation as the Mona Lisa or Starry Night, this painting is definitely a classic that will be viewed by many more generations to come.

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Work Cited

"A friend in need." . Dogs playing poker, 17 Oct 2009. Web. 30 Sep 2013. <http://www.dogsplayingpoker.org/gallery/coolidge/a_friend_in_need.html>. "A Friend In Need by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge." . Art becomes us, n.d. Web. 30 Sep 2013. <http://art-becomes-us.wikispaces.com/A Friend In Need By Cassius Marcellus Coolidge>. "What Makes a Masterpiece?." . Leighton-Jones. Web. 30 Sep 2013. <http://www.leightonjones.com/what_makes_a_masterpiece.htm>.