Portrait of a dog: reclining Terrier. Late XIX century.

Oil Painting on Panel of a Reclining Terrier with Period Gilded Frame – Late 19th Century, Spanish Provenance

This oil painting on panel depicts a partially reclining terrier with long, wavy fur, in a relaxed pose. The dog is portrayed with a realistic yet lively touch, against a dark background that enhances its figure. The gilded frame, original and from the same period, adds elegance and authenticity to the piece, which can be dated to the late 19th century.

On the back of the painting, a partially torn label in Spanish reads: "Nació el 1º de febrero," suggesting it might have listed the dog’s birth details. This element, together with the stylistic context, indicates a likely Spanish origin.

Portraits of pets, especially dogs, were very common in the late 19th century, both in Spain and other parts of Europe. These paintings reflected the strong bond between the owner and their animal, while also conveying social status and affection for the dog.

Often commissioned by noble or bourgeois families, such portraits served both to commemorate loyal companions and to affirm their important role within the family. The realism with which the dog is depicted in this painting aligns with the grand tradition of animal portraits, particularly popular in England and France, where dogs were often portrayed alongside their masters or in hunting scenes.

This painting is a refined example of the 19th-century tradition of dog portraits, executed with a free brushstroke that imparts immediacy and vitality to the subject.