I have been fascinated with the famous mosaic from an entryway to a home in Pompeii that depicts a chained dog and the words "Cave Canem". The term translates into our present day "Beware of Dog".

The original mosaic depicts a ferocious looking beast chained up, snarling at any potential intruder. Was there really a dog who lived in that home that the mosaic was modeled upon? We'll never know. But the link between man and dog cannot be disputed.

I wanted to re-create the mosiac in my modern "Color and Motion" pop-art style of painting. Replacing the dog's chain and collar with just the collar, and leaving off the warning, I painted the piece with bright primary colors.