Mid 20th Century Oil Painting of Three Cocker Spaniels Attributed to Dorothy Alexandra Johnson (1902–1988)
A charming mid 20th century British oil painting depicting a trio of Cocker Spaniels in a tiered head study composition. Oil on unstretched canvas laid on board, presented in its period gilt moulded frame.
A fine example of traditional British canine portraiture in the sporting art tradition.
Description
The three spaniels are arranged in a classic pyramidal formation, creating compositional balance and visual harmony. Each head overlaps subtly, lending depth while retaining clarity within this intimate cabinet-scale format.
The palette is warm and naturalistic, dominated by deep chestnut and mahogany tones, enhanced with soft honeyed highlights that capture the sheen of well-kept coats. The muzzles are carefully modelled, with gentle gradation from caramel tones into shadow. A restrained cool grey-blue background provides contrast, allowing the rich colouring of th
...e dogs to stand forward.
Brushwork is controlled and refined, particularly in the feathered ears and expressive eyes, which are finished with delicate highlights giving a convincing sense of life and character.
Subject Matter
The Cocker Spaniel has long been one of Britain’s most popular sporting and domestic breeds. By the mid 20th century it was firmly established as a favourite subject for animal painters. Works such as this reflect the enduring appeal of spaniel portraiture within British sporting art.
Each dog displays individual character:
Upper spaniel alert and observant
Lower left gentle and affectionate
Lower right calm and contemplative
Together they convey loyalty and companionship without sentimentality.
Attribution
Attributed to Dorothy Alexandra Johnson (1902–1988), Nottingham-born artist trained at the Nottingham School of Art under Arthur Spooner. Johnson specialised in canine portraiture from the 1930s onwards, particularly spaniels.
Described as in the manner of Maud Alice Earl, whose Victorian spaniel portraits established a highly influential head-study tradition.
No visible signature. Attribution based on stylistic handling, subject matter, scale and period.
Frame
Contained within a mid 20th century gilt moulded frame consistent with the 1950s–60s. Minor wear and small losses commensurate with age. Structurally sound and ready to hang.
Dimensions
Framed:
Width: 28 cm
Height: 23 cm
Depth: 5 cm
Image size:
13 cm high
19 cm wide
A pleasing cabinet size suitable for studies, hallways, country houses or sporting collections.
Provenance
The Woodland Elf, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire
Acquired from June Kilvington
Private collection, East Riding of Yorkshire
Privately exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, 5–6 March 2025
Condition
Good vintage condition consistent with age. Paint surface stable with minor age-related foxing visible on close inspection. Canvas mounted on stiff backing board and secure within frame. Frame with expected age-related wear but remains decorative.
A well-executed mid century British canine oil painting, combining decorative appeal with traditional sporting art character.
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Internal Reference: 762
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1200533
Dateline of this antique is 1950
Height is 23cm (9.1inches)Width is 28cm (11.0inches)Depth is 5cm (2.0inches)
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