Images(2)

The Not Hot Hot Dog

DateJuly 19-26, 1968

Artist/Maker Eddie Arning (1898 - 1993)

OriginAmerica, Texas, Austin

Mediumwax crayon and pencil on wove mulberry-colored paper

DimensionsUnframed: 22 x 16in. (55.9 x 40.6cm) Framed: 30 3/8 x 23 7/8in. (77.2 x 60.6cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Sackton

Object number1984.201.1

DescriptionA red border approximately 1 1/4 inches wide surrounds the primary composition. On a dark green background, a half-length male figure turns in the profile toward the viewer's right and raises a hot dog in a bun to his lips. Skin is bright pink, coat dark blue outlined in bright pale blue, dark blue bow tie or shirt collar, red outline representing ear, gray over brown for hair, black eyebrow, and eye of concentric ovals of dark blue, brown, gray, black. Teeth silver and tongue red. At bottom center in the composition, a rectangle is in front of the figure inscribed with wordking, a rectangle, and a circular design. More wording appears in silver lettering over a black background strip above the figure.
Label TextA comparison between Arning's drawing and his source of inspiration (an advertisement for Hormel) reveals many significant compositional alterations, among them movement of the package of hot dogs from off-center placement in the margin to a position overlapping the figure at front. In terms of design integration, Arning thereby compensated for his uplift and extension of the figure's arms, which in the newspaper advertisement are drawn tight against the boy's body. In the drawing, a narrow pale-blue line separates the body from its dark background and further dramatizes the figure's posture.

InscribedIn pencil in script on the reverse is, "Eddie, Arning." In block letters in crayon along the top edge of the composition is, "ThE.NOT.hot.hot.Dog.From horm." In the lower quarter of the picture over the hot dog package is, "HORMEL/ALLMEAL [sic]". On the reverse in ink is the inventory number, "955."
MarkingsSee "Inscriptions."
ProvenanceThe drawing was acquired directly from the artist by Dr. and Mrs. Alexander H. Sackton of Austin, Texas, who in turn donated the work to the Folk Art Center.