Pair of 19th Century English Dog Portraits in Original Gilt Frames 1887

A charming and rare pair of 19th century English oil on canvas dog portraits, each depicting a scruffy terrier seated at a table with a plate, rendered in the sentimental tradition of Victorian animal portraiture. Dated 1887 and housed in their original giltwood frames with floral border detailing, these works are both humorous and tender, capturing expressive canine personalities with remarkable skill.

One portrait features a dog in profile licking its lips, clad in a white napkin with a glint of light across its snout, while the companion painting presents a more solemn pup gazing directly at the viewer with a modest meal before him. The pair reads beautifully together, evocative of anthropomorphic storytelling common in 19th-century British art.

Please note a historic repair to the painting of the dog looking to the right. Both canvases were professionally cleaned and re-varnished with damar varnish in August 1971, as indicated on the verso.

Dimensions (each):

13” H x 16” W (including frame)

Origin:

England, 1887

Condition:

Good antique condition with surface wear consistent with age. One painting has an old repair, visible upon close inspection. Cleaned and re-varnished in 1971.

Frame:

Original 19th century giltwood frames with raised floral motif