Antique Dog Painting Appraisal

Oil Painting of a Springer Spaniel with Puppies

This is an oil painting depicting a Springer Spaniel mother dog with three young puppies, presented in a decorative carved wooden frame. The painting features a single adult Springer Spaniel, characterized by its distinctive white and liver (reddish-brown) markings and long, curly ears, positioned centrally and looking directly forward with a somewhat melancholic expression. Below and slightly in front of the adult dog are three puppies, also exhibiting the characteristic white and liver markings of Springer Spaniels, though with varying distributions. One puppy sits attentively to the left, another sits facing forward slightly to the right, and a third lies down on the far right, all appearing to gaze outwards. The background of the painting is a subdued and blended dark green to brown hue, creating a soft, naturalistic setting that highlights the subjects. The brushwork appears deliberate, capturing the textures of the dogs' fur and expressions. The painting is housed in a substantial, ornate gilded or gold-painted wooden frame. The frame features intricate relief carvings, possibly floral or scrolled motifs, around its inner and outer edges, giving it a traditional and perhaps classical aesthetic. The overall condition of the painting appears good, with no visible major tears, punctures, or significant paint loss from the image provided. The frame also appears intact with some slight wear consistent with age, such as minor chips or rubbed areas on the gilding, which contributes to its patina. The style suggests a realist or naturalistic approach to animal portraiture, common in the late 19th or early to mid-20th century. The quality of the painting indicates a practiced hand, with attention to anatomical detail and emotional expression of the animals.