£6,500.00
An exceptionally handsome and generously proportioned antique oil painting depicting Odin, the celebrated hound immortalised in a composition by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (1802–1873), one of Britain's most distinguished animal painters.
An exceptionally handsome and generously proportioned antique oil painting depicting Odin, the celebrated hound immortalised in a composition by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (1802–1873), one of Britain's most distinguished animal painters.
Believed to date from the 19th century, this beautifully observed and highly expressive portrait captures the intelligence, dignity and quiet nobility of its subject with remarkable sensitivity.
The painting is presented in an exceptionally substantial, richly ornamented gilt frame, measuring an impressive 94 cm wide and weighing approximately 10 kg together with the canvas.
Acquired from a substantial private property in Brussels, Belgium, alongside a collection of other quality paintings, this is a particularly striking example of traditional sporting portraiture, combining accomplished painting, historical interest and considerable country house appeal.
The painting depicts Odin, a Mastiff–Bloodhound associated with Sir Edwin Landseer's celebrated 1836 composition.
Landseer was among the most accomplished and influential British animal painters of the 19th century, renowned for his extraordinary ability to capture the character, expression and emotional presence of animals.
His paintings were particularly admired during the Victorian period, when portraits of dogs and other animals became increasingly fashionable among aristocratic families, sporting enthusiasts and collectors.
The composition of Odin became a recognised subject for later artists, who produced their own interpretations of Landseer's celebrated portrait.
The present unsigned painting follows this distinguished composition, depicting the noble hound in three-quarter profile, wearing a substantial dark collar and gazing thoughtfully towards the right.
The hound is depicted against a beautifully restrained background of warm brown and deep umber tones, allowing the animal's richly coloured head and chest to emerge naturally from the surrounding shadows.
Particular attention has been given to the wonderfully expressive eyes, which are sensitively modelled with delicate highlights and subtle tonal variations.
The animal's long pendant ears, broad muzzle and gently rounded forehead are rendered with considerable care, while the warm golden and chestnut tones of the coat contrast beautifully with the darker shadows around the neck and shoulders.
The eyes are undoubtedly among the painting's most compelling features, conveying a sense of intelligence, loyalty and quiet contemplation.
Fine brushwork around the eyelids, muzzle and ears demonstrates a sensitive understanding of the animal's anatomy and individual character.
The artist has captured not merely the physical appearance of the hound but also something of the dignity and emotional presence that made Landseer's original animal portraits so admired.
The painting displays a wonderfully harmonious palette of warm ochre, golden brown, chestnut and deep umber.
Subtle highlights illuminate the hound's forehead, muzzle and chest, creating an attractive sense of depth and volume.
The long ears are particularly beautifully handled, with darker reddish-brown tones and softly modelled folds lending the animal a convincing naturalism.
The substantial dark collar provides a striking contrast to the warm tones of the coat, while its prominent metal fitting introduces a distinctive detail to the composition.
The painted surface retains visible fine craquelure, particularly apparent in close-up photographs, contributing to the work's aged character.
The painting is housed within an exceptionally impressive gilt frame of considerable depth, weight and decorative quality.
Measuring approximately 94 cm wide, 77 cm high and 9 cm deep, the frame is an important feature of the work and significantly enhances its overall presence.
The broad outer mouldings incorporate finely detailed classical leaf ornament, repeating foliate patterns, delicate beading and richly modelled decorative borders.
The inner gilt slip provides an elegant separation between the painted composition and the more elaborate outer ornament.
The frame retains an attractive aged finish, with areas of historic wear, subtle variations in colour and natural patination.
Its substantial construction and richly worked ornament make it particularly appropriate for a painting of this character and scale.
Together, the painting and frame weigh approximately 10 kg, giving the work a particularly impressive physical presence.
During the 19th century, animal portraiture developed into an important and highly regarded branch of British painting.
Sir Edwin Landseer was instrumental in elevating the genre, portraying animals with a level of psychological sensitivity and individuality traditionally associated with human portraiture.
His paintings were admired not only for their technical accomplishment but also for their ability to convey loyalty, intelligence, affection and dignity.
The portrait of Odin belongs to this tradition and became a subject reproduced and interpreted by subsequent artists.
The present painting reflects the enduring appeal of Landseer's work and the popularity of distinguished canine portraits within Victorian and later country house collections.
Acquired from a substantial private property in Brussels, Belgium, together with a collection of other quality paintings.
The painting is unsigned and no artist's inscription has been identified.
The composition is after Sir Edwin Landseer's celebrated portrait of Odin.
Although other versions of this subject have been associated with named Victorian artists, the present painting is offered as the work of an unidentified artist, after Landseer.
The painting is presented in attractive antique condition, retaining its historic character and naturally aged appearance.
To the best of our knowledge, the canvas has not been cleaned, restored or relined, and no previous conservation treatment is known.
The painted surface displays visible fine craquelure, together with age-related surface characteristics.
The reverse reveals an aged woven canvas supported by a traditional wooden stretcher, with no obvious evidence of lining visible in the available photographs.
The substantial gilt frame retains its decorative mouldings, with areas of historic wear, minor imperfections and variations in the gilded finish consistent with age.
The painting has been retained in its existing condition, preserving its aged appearance.
With its generous proportions, expressive subject and richly ornamented gilt frame, this handsome portrait of Odin would make an exceptional addition to a country house drawing room, library, entrance hall or traditional study.
The warmth of the painting and richness of the frame would complement antique furniture, traditional panelling, period interiors and carefully curated collections of sporting art.
It would be particularly effective displayed above an antique console table, sideboard or fireplace, where its scale and decorative quality could be fully appreciated.
Equally appealing to collectors of canine portraiture, traditional British sporting art and decorative antique paintings, this substantial work offers an attractive combination of historical interest, artistic character and impressive presentation.
A particularly handsome and atmospheric antique oil portrait of Odin, after Sir Edwin Landseer, beautifully presented in a substantial gilt frame and sourced from a private property in Brussels.
Overall framed dimensions:
Height: 77 cm / 30.31 inches
Width: 94 cm / 37.01 inches
Depth: 9 cm / 3.54 inches
Weight: 10 kg / 22.05 lbs
Due to the painting's substantial gilt frame and overall weight, specialist protective packaging will be arranged for transportation.
UK delivery and international shipping can be arranged, with quotations available upon request.
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.
