Cassius Marcellus Coolidge's name may not instantly resonate with the poker audience, but he is the artist behind all of the amazing paintings that depict dogs playing poker. According to art auctioneers Sotheby's, Coolidge's 1984 painting Poker Game has been sold for a sum that aligns with that of first-place prizes in many major poker tournaments — $658,000.
The oil-on-canvas painting is amongst a collection of 16 paintings by Coolidge that were commissioned by publishing company Brown & Bigelow. All have become very recognized by poker fans everywhere, and the originals have garnered some large price tags.