BME: Body Modification Ezine

A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News, Events, and Culture

Why wouldn’t dogs play poker?

Written by

Rob

The “Dogs Playing Poker” series of images were originally a series of oil paintings designed to sell cigars.  Somehow these images transcended their initial meaning and have turned into a staple of American kitsch.  Pool halls and rec rooms all over North America have at least one of these famous paintings, or ones that have been inspired by them.

At the same time C. M. Coolidge sat down to paint these images, another American legacy was being formed in the tattoo studios of New York City.  Fast forward almost 100 years later and the two have finally come together in this back piece by Jeff Houston from Under the Needle Tattoo in Seattle, WA.

poker dogs

A larger version of the picture can be found in the cartoon tattoo gallery, where you can see these dogs in all their poker playing glory.

For those curious, the actual title of this particular painting is “A friend in need”, referring to the ace being passed under the table.  Now I’m not sure, but I think the English bulldog is passing a card to a pug.  Which goes to show, pugs can the the sneakiest dogs around.  So take care the next time you’re playing poker with a bunch of dogs, the ones with the crazy eyes tend to be the cheats.

Comments

12 responses to “Why wouldn’t dogs play poker?”

  1. Saan Avatar
    Saan

    That looks even better than the original painting. =O

  2. Saan Avatar
    Saan

    That looks even better than the original painting. =O

  3. PEET 3-D Avatar
    PEET 3-D

    CARTOON?!?

  4. PEET 3-D Avatar
    PEET 3-D

    CARTOON?!?

  5. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Yeah I think that’s in the wrong gallery.

  6. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Yeah I think that’s in the wrong gallery.

  7. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    I’m with Jen, I thought it may be in the wrong gallery too, but when I pull an image I like to link back to the gallery it is in so you can see the full sized picture.

  8. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    I’m with Jen, I thought it may be in the wrong gallery too, but when I pull an image I like to link back to the gallery it is in so you can see the full sized picture.

  9. Mrs. Penguin Avatar
    Mrs. Penguin

    I LOVE it! It looks nicely executed – and I have a weekness for goofiness.

  10. Mrs. Penguin Avatar
    Mrs. Penguin

    I LOVE it! It looks nicely executed – and I have a weekness for goofiness.

  11. Anjellica Avatar
    Anjellica

    AWW I just noticed the bulldog passing the card, how CUTE. The frame around the picture is amazing!

  12. Anjellica Avatar
    Anjellica

    AWW I just noticed the bulldog passing the card, how CUTE. The frame around the picture is amazing!

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