Dog

In a field bathed in orange light like dusk, a gray-furred dog stands with its tail raised, looking into the distance. A stand of withering trees spreads out behind it. It is an oil painting, 33.0 cm high by 47.5 cm wide.

According to the Shimane Art Museum, few works by Aoki, who died at 29, survive, and this picture of a Western-breed dog is one of his last, painted the year before his death. A drawing that seems to depict the same dog survives. In this painting the dog's facial expression cannot be seen because of the backlight, but its agile bearing is emphasized and the texture of the fur is precisely rendered.

Aoki was a painter who drew on his natural literary tastes and often sought his subjects in myths. The museum's commentary says that those works are backed by the sure descriptive skill seen here. Though small, it is regarded as a fine work that conveys Aoki's lyricism and ability well.