Parodies and Panthers | Oil Paintings
A FRIEND IN NEED PARODY
The painting is a parody of a parody. Coolidge's anthropomorphism was reversed with anthropocentrism. In addition, a few familiar cartoon characters were added to emphasize that Coolidge's paintings are, in fact, cartoons. Cartoons drawn with oils rather than pen and ink.
Along with Warhol's Campbell Soup cans, A Friend in Need (right), one of C. M. Coolidge's poker playing dogs paintings, is famous American pop art. The paintings are a parody of 19th century upper middle class American males
AMERICAN GOTHIC PARODY
Unlike Poker Playing Dogs, American Gothic has been extensively parodied using both human and animal faces. In this instance, the faces are those of the artist (self-portrait) and his wife.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Because of drought, brush or forest fires are frequent in Florida. The loss of habitat is problematical for endangered species such as the Florida panther.