After Sir Edwin Landseer, Dignity & Impudence, Antique English Oil Painting, Dogs, Victorian

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A good Victorian copy of Sir Edwin Landseer’s (1802-1873), ‘Dignity and Impudence’, which is in the collection at Tate Britain. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best-known dog paintings of all time and also one of Landseer’s most celebrated.

The painting was commissioned by Jacob Bell, a pharmacist and politician, who was a good friend of Landseer’s. Both of the dogs were his - a Bloodhound named Grafton and a West Highland Terrier called Scratch.

Rather than simply create a good likeness of Mr Bell’s dogs, Landseer cleverly contrasted their personalities by drawing upon their human characteristics. Note how Grafton has a wise and dignified expression, whereas Scratch appears mischievous and playful.

The original work was created in 1839 and this copy produced in 1882.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: 30” x 24” / 76.5cm x 61cm x 2cm

Year of creation: c. 1882

Condition: A little tatty but no holes or repairs. The canvas has a few scratches including one towards the top, along with areas of craquelure. However, the paint is stable and not raised or flaking.

Physical Dimensions

Height

77cm (30.31")

Width

61cm (24.02")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA617335

Description

A good Victorian copy of Sir Edwin Landseer’s (1802-1873), ‘Dignity and Impudence’, which is in the collection at Tate Britain.

“

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best-known dog paintings of all time and also one of Landseer’s most celebrated.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. After Sir Edwin Landseer, Dignity & Impudence, Antique English Oil Painting, Dogs, Victorian

The painting was commissioned by Jacob Bell, a pharmacist and politician, who was a good friend of Landseer’s. Both of the dogs were his - a Bloodhound named Grafton and a West Highland Terrier called Scratch.

fig 2. After Sir Edwin Landseer, Dignity & Impudence, Antique English Oil Painting, Dogs, Victorian

Rather than simply create a good likeness of Mr Bell’s dogs, Landseer cleverly contrasted their personalities by drawing upon their human characteristics. Note how Grafton has a wise and dignified expression, whereas Scratch appears mischievous and playful.

fig 3. After Sir Edwin Landseer, Dignity & Impudence, Antique English Oil Painting, Dogs, Victorian

The original work was created in 1839 and this copy produced in 1882.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: 30” x 24” / 76.5cm x 61cm x 2cm

Year of creation: c. 1882

Condition: A little tatty but no holes or repairs. The canvas has a few scratches including one towards the top, along with areas of craquelure. However, the paint is stable and not raised or flaking.