The depiction of animals has been ever-changing with the contemporary thought of the time. From the Stone Age depicting heroic hunts, Egyptian deities, mythical beasts in the Middle Ages, to studies of anatomy and sentimental depictions of pets and their owners, like David Hockney’s dachshunds pictured above who were immortalised in 45 of his paintings.

Animals have also taken on symbolical meaning through mythology, religion, and superstition throughout the years as well as specific associations with artists. Louise Bourgeois’ spiders are a reference to her mother’s cleverness and protectiveness and the complicated relationship they shared. Whatever the style or intent, we love these unique depictions so much we had to create an edit of our favourite PE artworks.