For millennia, artists and designers have been inspired by the enduring relationship between humans and their feline and canine friends. From Egyptian antiquities and Islamic and Hindu iconography, through to European paintings and contemporary First Nations art, cats and dogs are universal subjects.

Featuring allegorical emblems and modern masterpieces, this richly illustrated book showcases more than 100 works of art and design depicting loyal dogs and spirited cats selected from the National Gallery of Victorias Collection. Whether youre a dog lover or a cat person, these works reveal how deeply embedded our favourite animals are, not only in our lives but also within the history of art and design.

With contributions from Laurie Benson, Imogen Mallia-Valjan, Amita Kirpalani, Wayne Crothers, Susan van Wyk, Sophie Gerhard, Maria Quirk, Anna Honan, Michael Gentle and Charlotte Botica