William Wegman (American, born 1943). *Sitting Airedale with Tale*, 1981. Polaroid diffusion transfer print, 31 x 27 inches (78.7 x 68.6 cm). Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York; Norman E. Boasberg Fund, 1982 (P1982:1). © William Wegman

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William Wegman

American, born 1943

Sitting Airedale with Tale, 1981

Polaroid diffusion transfer print

sheet: 31 x 27 inches (78.74 x 68.58 cm)

Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York

Norman E. Boasberg Fund, 1982

P1982:1

More Details

Class

Photographs

Work Type

Dye diffusion transfer print

Information may change due to ongoing research.Glossary of Terms

William Wegman is best known for his humorous photographs of dogs posed in various domestic predicaments and recognizable scenarios, including roller skating, vacuuming, and playing the roles of fairy tale protagonists. The artist once said, “Dogs have always seemed to like me. They come to me.” When he was living in Southern California in the fall of 1970, a Weimaraner puppy did just that and found its way into Wegman’s life. He named the pooch Man Ray, and the canine companion, and many to follow, became central figures in the artist’s photographs and video works. In Sitting Airedale with Tale, the strong facial features and traditional medium-length tan and black coat of an Airedale Terrier are mimicked in festive Christmas garland. We are left to wonder if a real tail exists at all in the “tale” Wegman is telling.

Label from Menagerie: Animals on View, March 11–June 4, 2017