About the painting - by Daniela Ria:

Basenji tawny and white in Egyptian costume. The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds. Originating on the continent of Africa, it has been venerated by humans for thousands of years. Basenjis can be seen on steles in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, sitting at the feet of their masters, looking just as they do today, with pricked ears and tightly curled tail. The Basenji was almost extinct in the Western world, until it was found again in the Congo in the late 19th Century and re-imported to Europe. The breed's name means "dog of villages" in Congolese.