Circle of Alexandre Francois Desportes (1661-1743), Portrait of Two King Charles Spaniels, Oil on Panel, 17th Century, Framed

Portrait of Two King Charles Spaniels

This oil on wood panel depicts two King Charles Spaniels in a close composition, with the dogs shown in a three-quarter view. The treatment of the fur and the positioning of the animals are consistent with French animal painting of the late 17th century. The panel has undergone restoration, including the addition of a reinforcing panel on the reverse. There is an illegible signature to decipher.

17th Century Dog Portraiture

This painting belongs to the tradition of 17th century dog portraiture that was practiced by French and Flemish painters during the Baroque period. The King Charles Spaniel was a frequently depicted breed, associated with the aristocracy and court life. The work is attributed to the circle of Alexandre Francois Desportes (1661-1743), a French painter who specialized in animal portraits and hunting scenes and served as official painter to Louis XIV for these subjects.