"A Friend in Need" is one of the most iconic paintings from the Dogs Playing Poker series by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, created in 1903. In this humorous and beloved artwork, a group of anthropomorphic dogs are gathered around a poker table, deeply immersed in a game of cards. The painting gets its title from a subtle and comical detail: one dog is discreetly passing an ace under the table to his teammate—hence, "a friend in need." This act of cheating adds to the charm and mischief of the scene, capturing the playful satire Coolidge was known for.
