What defines Victorian animal portraiture from the 19th century?

Victorian animal portraiture frequently anthropomorphised domestic pets, attributing human character traits such as loyalty, playfulness, and nobility to dogs. Artworks following the popular compositions of Sir Edwin Landseer became widespread decorative features in 19th-century homes.

What materials were used to construct Victorian framed oil paintings?

Paintings were created using oil pigments on woven canvas stretchers, while frames were formed from timber bases with applied moulded plaster ornament before being finished in gold leaf gilding.

How can one identify an authentic Victorian period oil painting?

Authentic period paintings show surface craquelure, natural darkening of age-toned varnish, and period-appropriate stretcher construction secured with iron tacks inside moulded gilt composition frames.

How can a Victorian dog painting be styled in a contemporary interior?

A framed oil painting can be integrated into a gallery wall above a sideboard or positioned as a focal accent on a painted feature wall to create texture and contrast.

What is the recommended method for preserving an antique oil painting?

Dust the artwork surface lightly using a clean, soft brush without applying liquids or chemical solutions. Position the frame away from direct sunlight, radiators, and high-humidity areas to prevent canvas distortion.

for sale €1,047 $1,137

£895

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2010

View Dealers Stock Page

Trade Associations

Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Id #SA1191460

PDF

SAVE

Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

19th century

For Sale by Yolanda Gray Antiques

Description

Summary:

• Item: Dignity and Impudence Oil Painting

• Artist: Unknown

• Medium: Oil on canvass on board

• Circa: 1860

• Period: Victorian

• Provenance: England, UK

• Subject: Hound & Terrier dog

• Extremely well painted

• Natural rich colours

• Pleasing subject

• Glass fronted

• Original fine quality gilt frame

• Excellent original condition

• Frame Height = 43.2cm / 17” / 1ft 5”

• Frame Width = 37cm / 14½” / 1ft 2½”

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

• 14-day free UK returns policy

Description:

This is a fine quality antique English Victorian early copy of Sir Edwin Henry Landseer’s Dignity and Impudence painting, circa 1860, in excellent original condition. The original was painted in 1839 and now hangs in the Tate Gallery collection. The original artwork by Sir Edwin Landseer's 1839 painting, housed at the Tate, depicts a large bloodhound (Grafton) and a small terrier (Scratch). The theme personifies dogs, contrasting the solemnity of the bloodhound with the playful nature of the terrier, inspired by Dutch portraiture. The "After" versions refers to numerous copies made, because the original was so beloved, many skilled copies and engravings were made by other artists, often in the late 19th century. In essence, if you see a painting described as "After Sir Edwin Landseer, Dignity and Impudence", it's a popular derivative of the famous original, capturing its iconic dog portraits. Landseer was knighted by Queen Victoria, as she was a great lover of his work and this set the fashion for animal paintings.

This oil painting, which is painted on canvass and then on board, is extremely well painted. The dog painting is created in muted browns and is viewed through a stable window. This mid-Victorian oil painting is framed behind glass, in its original fine quality ornate gilt frame, which is in excellent condition. Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-1873) exhibited many times at the British Royal Academy.

"After Sir Edwin Landseer's Dignity and Impudence" refers to the numerous copies, prints, and adaptations of Landseer's famous 1839 painting, which features a stately bloodhound (Dignity) and a mischievous terrier (Impudence), both owned by his friend Jacob Bell, capturing human-like personalities through witty Dutch portraiture parody. Many of these "after" versions, often Victorian oil paintings or engravings, were produced due to the original's immense popularity, appearing in private collections, auctions, and the National Trust.

Condition Report:

The board and oils are in excellent original condition – the picture display vibrant colours. The glass fronted mount and ornate gilt frame are original and also in excellent condition. Nominal old age marks and wear to the leading edges of the gilt frame, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item. The back of the frame incorporates the original board and hanging string. This Dignity and Impudence Oil Painting is ready to hang.

Price:

The price for this item is £895 including free delivery to England, Wales & Southern Scotland* and 14-day free UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling).

14-Day Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A free 14-day “no quibble” UK returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Product Code: 116035

Physical Dimensions

Height

43.2cm (17.01")

Width

37cm (14.57")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this Victorian Dog Oil Painting to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1191460

Dealers Internal Reference

116035

Dealers Notes

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com

Description

Summary:

• Item: Dignity and Impudence Oil Painting

• Artist: Unknown

• Medium: Oil on canvass on board

• Circa: 1860

• Period: Victorian

• Provenance: England, UK

• Subject: Hound & Terrier dog

• Extremely well painted

fig 1. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 1. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

• Natural rich colours

• Pleasing subject

• Glass fronted

• Original fine quality gilt frame

• Excellent original condition

• Frame Height = 43.2cm / 17” / 1ft 5”

• Frame Width = 37cm / 14½” / 1ft 2½”

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

fig 2. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 2. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

• 14-day free UK returns policy

Description:

“

This is a fine quality antique English Victorian early copy of Sir Edwin Henry Landseer’s Dignity and Impudence painting, circa 1860, in excellent original condition.

Yolanda Gray Antiques

The original was painted in 1839 and now hangs in the Tate Gallery collection. The original artwork by Sir Edwin Landseer's 1839 painting, housed at the Tate, depicts a large bloodhound (Grafton) and a small terrier (Scratch). The theme personifies dogs, contrasting the solemnity of the bloodhound with the playful nature of the terrier, inspired by Dutch portraiture. The "After" versions refers to numerous copies made, because the original was so beloved, many skilled copies and engravings were made by other artists, often in the late 19th century. In essence, if you see a painting described as "After Sir Edwin Landseer, Dignity and Impudence", it's a popular derivative of the famous original, capturing its iconic dog portraits. Landseer was knighted by Queen Victoria, as she was a great lover of his work and this set the fashion for animal paintings.

fig 3. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 3. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

This oil painting, which is painted on canvass and then on board, is extremely well painted. The dog painting is created in muted browns and is viewed through a stable window. This mid-Victorian oil painting is framed behind glass, in its original fine quality ornate gilt frame, which is in excellent condition. Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-1873) exhibited many times at the British Royal Academy.

fig 4. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 4. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

"After Sir Edwin Landseer's Dignity and Impudence" refers to the numerous copies, prints, and adaptations of Landseer's famous 1839 painting, which features a stately bloodhound (Dignity) and a mischievous terrier (Impudence), both owned by his friend Jacob Bell, capturing human-like personalities through witty Dutch portraiture parody. Many of these "after" versions, often Victorian oil paintings or engravings, were produced due to the original's immense popularity, appearing in private collections, auctions, and the National Trust.

fig 5. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 5. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

Condition Report:

The board and oils are in excellent original condition – the picture display vibrant colours. The glass fronted mount and ornate gilt frame are original and also in excellent condition. Nominal old age marks and wear to the leading edges of the gilt frame, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item. The back of the frame incorporates the original board and hanging string. This Dignity and Impudence Oil Painting is ready to hang.

fig 6. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 6. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

Price:

The price for this item is £895 including free delivery to England, Wales & Southern Scotland* and 14-day free UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling).

fig 7. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 7. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

14-Day Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A free 14-day “no quibble” UK returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).

fig 8. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 8. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.

fig 9. A Victorian oil painting depicting a large brown hound alongside a small terrier peering out from a dark doorway set inside an ornate gilded frame. — fig 9. Antique English Victorian Copy of an Oil Painting Picture of Dignity and Impudence Hound Dog by Sir Edwin Landseer (Circa 1860)

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Product Code: 116035