£6,500.00
A particularly fine and compelling 19th-century oil portrait of a small companion dog, an accomplished unsigned work displaying considerable quality, age and character.
A particularly fine and compelling 19th-century oil portrait of a small companion dog, an accomplished unsigned work displaying considerable quality, age and character.
The dog is depicted seated proudly upon a rich emerald-green cushion, posed almost formally for its portrait against a deep, restrained background. The composition has an intimacy and individuality that strongly suggests the painting was created as a portrait of a particular and much-loved household pet rather than simply as a generic study of an animal.
The artist has captured the little dog's character beautifully. Its pale cream-white coat is sensitively modelled with subtle passages of warm biscuit, ochre, grey and brown, creating depth and texture throughout the long hair. Particularly appealing are the beautifully observed face and large, lustrous brown eyes, which give the sitter an extraordinarily engaging expression.
Longer hair falls softly around the ears and frames the face, while the full coat continues across the body towards a wonderfully curled tail. Small touches of light across the fur are particularly effective against the dark background.
The saturated emerald-green cushion is an important element of the composition, providing a wonderful contrast with the dog's pale coat. Its folds and highlights have been confidently handled, grounding the animal within the composition while allowing the sitter to remain very much the focus of the painting.
Although unsigned, this is a painting of notably good quality. The confident modelling of the face, individual treatment of the animal's features and sophisticated use of light and colour elevate it beyond the more naïve examples of 19th-century animal portraiture.
The identity of both artist and sitter has unfortunately been lost with time, and we have deliberately left the painting unattributed rather than speculate upon its authorship or country of origin.
There is considerable evidence of age throughout. The painted surface has developed an extensive network of fine craquelure, particularly visible through the darker background and green cushion, while the reverse retains an old canvas and stretcher.
The painting is presented in an antique giltwood and composition frame, with a broad concave profile, decorative foliate corner details and a finely worked inner border. The mellowed gilding and age-related wear complement the painting particularly well.
Acquired near Paris during one of our sourcing trips through France.
A superb piece of 19th-century canine portraiture: intimate, beautifully observed and immensely decorative. The expressive character of the sitter, combined with the rich green cushion, dark ground and aged gilt frame, gives the painting considerable presence despite its relatively modest proportions.
An especially appealing work for a collector of historic canine art, animal portraiture or for inclusion within a traditional country house interior.
The painting is presented in good antique condition, retaining the surface character and signs of age expected of a 19th-century oil painting.
There is extensive fine age-related craquelure throughout the painted surface, together with minor surface marks and wear commensurate with age. The craquelure is particularly evident within the darker passages and across the green cushion and forms an attractive part of the painting's historic surface.
The antique gilt frame has expected rubbing, marks, small losses and wear to the gilded and decorative surfaces consistent with its age.
Height: 44 cm / 17.3 inches
Width: 52 cm / 20.5 inches
Depth: 5 cm / 2 inches
Weight: 2.5 kg / 5.5 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.
