A friend in Need
2.5 oz 999 Fine Silver Coin – Republique du Tchad 2024 – 10000 Francs CFA
Cassius Marcellus Coolidge creation of “A Friend in Need” in 1903 stands as the most iconic of the Dogs Playing Poker series—an enduring piece of Americana that combines humour, anthropomorphism, and subtle storytelling. While often dismissed as kitsch or novelty art, this painting reveals a deeper charm through its clever composition, cultural symbolism, and gentle satire of human behaviour.
In the artwork, seven dogs – each meticulously painted with distinct expressions and personalities – gather around a poker table and are deeply engrossed in a high-stakes game. The title alludes to a quiet yet unmistakable act: one bulldog subtly passing an ace under the table to his companion, hence becoming a “friend in need.” Each dog is painted with a remarkable sense of individuality—some are focused, others anxious, and one, clearly mischievous, is executing the secret handoff. This cheeky moment of collusion lies at the heart of the scene, embodying loyalty, camaraderie, and playful mischief. Rendered in a warm and nostalgic palette to give a cozy atmosphere, the intensity of the game is juxtaposed with the lighting centered on the poker table.
The dramatic composition of “The Tiger Hunt “is visually explosive, as Rubens masterfully arranges the figures within the frame. The swirling movement, vibrant colours, and intricate detail evoke a sense of chaos and violence, which is typical of Rubens’ baroque style. The lions, with their muscular bodies and powerful claws, are depicted with great vigor and realism, while the hunters, often in contorted poses, are engaged in a fierce struggle with the beasts. The intensity of the battle is heightened by Rubens’ use of light and shadow, where the contrasting highlights on the figures of the hunters and lions create a sense of depth and physicality. The fluidity of Rubens’ brushwork, coupled with his bold, deep colors, infuses the work with an almost cinematic movement, transporting the viewer into the heart of the action.
At a glance, the painting is humorous and absurd. Dogs dressed like gentlemen, puffing cigars and playing cards, is not something one expects to see on a canvas. Yet, there’s more beneath the surface. Coolidge’s work subtly mirrors human society, especially the world of masculine leisure in early 20th-century America — barrooms, games of chance, and the codes of brotherhood. The concept of “a friend in need” invokes themes of loyalty and trust, even if the act in question (cheating) is ethically questionable. This irony only enhances the painting’s appeal, encouraging the viewer to smile while also considering the nature of friendship and competition.
Commissioned by the Brown & Bigelow advertising company to create a series of cigar-related images, Coolidge produced a total of 16 paintings that depicted anthropomorphic dogs partaking in various human pastimes—most famously, poker. Though often reproduced on posters, puzzles, and novelty items, “A Friend in Need” endures because of its unique combination of whimsy and relatability. The image invites us not only to laugh at the dogs’ antics but also to reflect on our own tendencies in social games—how we bond, bend rules, and lean on friends. The artwork has since transcended its original commercial purpose, and became a visual parable of trust, trickery, and companionship—wrapped in the floppy ears and wagging tails of man’s best friend.
On a canvas of 165 x 125mm, a new minting technique called “Tri-Metal” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight while keeping its proportions true to the actual painting. This is made possible by combining 750g of Zinc as a center layer and 120g of copper as a base with a top layer of 2.5 oz of 999 fine Silver, resulting in a high relief. This is a limited edition of 399 pieces only. Each piece is packaged and delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity.
-
Mintage
399 pcs
-
Weight & Material
2.5 oz 999 Ag, 750g 999 Zn, 120g 999 Cu
-
Finish
Various
-
Size
165x125mm
-
Country
Republique du Tchad
-
Year of Issue
2024
-
Face Value
10000 Francs CFA
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.