Dating to the 1800s, this French oil on canvas painting depicts a black and white working dog, possibly a Landseer, which is the European relative of a Newfoundland. The large, sturdy dog stares off into the distance while standing in front of a green kennel—golden straw lines the floor, behind a bowl set at the entrance of the doghouse. A mostly overcast sky, full of gray, cream, and light blue hues, can be seen behind the canine. The tan-colored terrain is mostly barren, except for a small flowering plant with yellow blooms in the lower right, which partially obscures the artist’s signature.

Measuring over 30 inches tall and 11 inches wide, the vertical composition forces the viewer’s eye directly to the dog. It is possible that the painting would have been commissioned by the dog’s owner, and the panel format would have allowed the painting to fit a narrow space. A must-have for any dog owner or animal lover, our working dog painting can proudly be hung in any room of the house.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor wear to the edges of the canvas, which would be unseen if framed (currently not framed). Not rigged for hanging. Old patches to the verso with very light rubs to painted canvas. Signed in lower right.