Gentleman with Greyhound This life sized dummy board is based on a picture painted by Thomas Gainsborough ( 1727-1788), in 1780. It was common practice for dummy board artists to insert the face of the patron, his wife or children, into existing historical costumes depicted on famous paintings and many boards of this kind were made in the late Georgian era and into the 19th century. Sadly we rarely know the name of the sitter for whom the portrait dummy board was painted. Some of them are really exceptional as is this very decorative and beautifully rendered portrait of a gentleman with his faithful greyhound dog, which was probably executed in the early 19th century. It is now in private collection in the U.K. 19th century Springer Spaniel It is probable that this life sized dummy board, made on three pieces of tongue and grooved pine, was based on an early 18th century painting. He shows us how the appearance of the Springer Spaniel has changed over the centuries, as fashion and the rigours of the field sports in which these dogs were used, have altered. A lifelike dummy board, this dog is larger with a slightly broader head and longer legs than the modern version. One of many similar figures, he shows just how popular this breed was in the 19th century when this board was copied from the earlier framed picture or print. Always sought after dummy boards, thislittle chap was sold at auction at Bonhams for a record sum for a dummy board dog, in 1991 and is now in private collection in Wales. Still a popular breed today this friendly little dog would be very happy standing in the hall or waiting for his master outside the front door of the dollshouse. If you would like to purchase an item, or if you have a question, please contact Susanne. Gentleman with Greyhound size 5.75 x 3.75 inches (150x95mm) £190 Springer Spaniel size 2 x 1.5 inch (55 x40mm) £40.00Oil on basswood. Carriage free |
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Gentleman with Greyhound and 19th century Springer Spaniel