£1,100.00
A charming and beautifully detailed 19th-century hand-painted porcelain portrait of a white greyhound or sighthound, presented within its original timeworn giltwood frame.
A charming and beautifully detailed 19th-century hand-painted porcelain portrait of a white greyhound or sighthound, presented within its original timeworn giltwood frame.
The small oval porcelain plaque depicts an elegant white hound walking through the landscaped grounds of a country house. Painted in profile, the animal has the distinctive refinement of the sighthound: a long narrow head, deep chest, dramatically tucked abdomen, slender legs and a long tapering tail.
The artist has paid particular attention to the dog's expression and anatomy. Fine brushwork describes the predominantly white coat, with subtle warm grey and brown shading defining the ears, nose, underside and legs. A finely painted amber-brown eye brings considerable character to the animal and reinforces the impression that this was intended as the portrait of a particular dog rather than a generic decorative subject.
Behind the hound stretches a romantic country-house landscape. A winding path passes through lawns and flowering borders towards partially obscured classical architecture, its rooftops and chimney pots appearing between mature trees. Delicate touches of pink and red amongst the foreground flowers add further colour to the composition.
Particularly striking is the turquoise-blue border surrounding the central oval scene, embellished with delicate hand-painted gilt scrolls, flowers and foliage. The vivid blue creates a jewel-like contrast with both the white dog and the warm, distressed gilding of the frame.
Areas of this original gilt decoration have been rubbed and lost through age, leaving portions of the turquoise ground exposed. Rather than disguising this wear, it has been left untouched as part of the history of the piece.
The porcelain is housed within its original oval giltwood frame, with a broad dished profile surrounding a narrow inner moulding. The gilding has developed extensive natural rubbing and wear, revealing areas of darker preparation and timber beneath and giving the frame an especially attractive untouched appearance.
The reverse retains its old construction, including the metal retaining pins securing the porcelain and a brass suspension ring for hanging.
No artist's signature.
A wonderfully decorative example of 19th-century canine portraiture, combining the enduring appeal of the greyhound with finely painted porcelain, vivid turquoise and gilt decoration, and an exceptionally characterful original frame.
Its diminutive scale gives it the quality of a cabinet picture: an intimate object intended to be viewed at close quarters and particularly appealing amongst a collection of small paintings, sporting art or other pieces of canine portraiture.
The central portrait is painted onto an oval porcelain plaque with the white sighthound dominating the foreground.
The surrounding landscape incorporates mature trees, architecture, pathways and flowering vegetation, creating the impression of the grounds of a substantial country residence.
A broad turquoise border surrounds the landscape and is decorated with scrolling gilt foliage and stylised flowers.
The plaque is framed within a simple but substantial oval giltwood surround, the heavily rubbed surface of which provides a pleasing contrast with the delicacy of the porcelain.
The hand-painted porcelain plaque is in good antique condition, retaining strong colour and fine painted detail.
There is noticeable historic rubbing and loss to areas of the original hand-painted gilt decoration, particularly within the scrolling floral ornament surrounding the central scene. These losses reveal areas of the turquoise ground beneath.
There are further minor surface marks and wear commensurate with age. The principal painted portrait of the greyhound and the surrounding landscape remain well preserved overall.
No obvious major cracks or breaks to the porcelain are visible while the plaque remains framed. The porcelain has not been removed from its original mounting for further examination.
The original giltwood frame displays extensive historic wear, rubbing and losses to the gilded surface, revealing areas of the darker preparation and timber beneath. There are further scratches, abrasions, small knocks and irregularities consistent with age.
The reverse shows corresponding age and wear and retains the old metal fixing pins and brass suspension ring.
Please refer closely to the photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.
Height: 13 cm / 5.1 inches
Width: 15 cm / 5.9 inches
Depth: 2 cm / 0.8 inches
Weight: 0.2 kg / 0.4 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
